John Calvin Commentary Numbers 24:5

"How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, Thy tabernacles, O Israel!" — Numbers 24:5 (ASV)

How goodly are your tents, O Jacob! The internal condition of prosperity enjoyed by the people is described by various similitudes akin to each other, and expressive of the same thing. He compares them to valleys and well-watered gardens, then to trees rendered succulent by abundance of moisture, and finally to fields whose seeds imbibe richness from the waters. The word we translate “valleys spread forth,” some prefer to render “streams;” and the Hebrew word signifies both; but the course of the metaphors requires that valleys should preferably be understood. For the same reason I have given the translation “aloe-trees;” for, although the word אהלים ohelim, often means “tabernacles,” I have no doubt that it here refers to trees, so as to correspond with what follows regarding the cedars. They are called trees “which the Lord has planted,” as surpassing the ordinary growth of nature in their particular excellence, and exhibiting something more noble than the effect of human labor and skill.

In the concluding similitude the interpreters have erred, in my opinion. Some translate it, “His seed (is) many waters;” others, “on many waters;” but ¹⁷⁰ the literal translation I have given works much better, namely, that he is like a rich and fertile field, whose seed is steeped in much water.

Thus far Balaam has been speaking of God’s blessing, which will enrich the people with an abundance of all good things.

¹⁷⁰ Ainsworth says: “This seed may be understood, as before, of children; and may be understood, as before, of children; and many waters, of many peoples, as in of many peoples, as in Revelation 17:15; ; Isaiah 57:19; ; Psalms 144:7. Or . Or seed may mean may mean corn sown in watery, moist, and fruitful places, to bring forth much increase; as sown in watery, moist, and fruitful places, to bring forth much increase; as Isaiah 32:20.” .” C.’s own translation is, after all, equivocal; however, his opinion may incline to the literal meaning of the word own translation is, after all, equivocal; however, his opinion may incline to the literal meaning of the word seed.