The original word (Nahal) thus translated might better be rendered by torrent. It is applied, 1. to small streams arising from a subterraneous spring, and flowing through a deep valley, such as the Arnon, Jabbok, Kidron, Sorek, etc.; and also the brook of the willows, mentioned in Isaiah 15:7; Isaiah 2. to winter-torrents, arising from rains, and which are soon dried up in the warm season (Job 6:15; Job 6:19). Such is the noted river (brook) of Egypt, so often mentioned as at the southernmost border of Canaan (Numbers 34:5; Joshua 15:4; Joshua 15:47), and, in fact, such are most of the brooks and streams of Palestine, which are numerous in winter and early spring, but of which very few survive the beginning of the summer.