Numbers 24

¹Numbers 24:1. And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.²Numbers 24:2. When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,³Numbers 24:3. and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,⁴Numbers 24:4. the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:⁵Numbers 24:5. How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!⁶Numbers 24:6. They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.⁷Numbers 24:7. Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.⁸Numbers 24:8. God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.⁹Numbers 24:9. He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”¹⁰Numbers 24:10. Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.¹¹Numbers 24:11. Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”¹²Numbers 24:12. Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me¹³Numbers 24:13. that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says.¹⁴Numbers 24:14. Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”

¹⁵Numbers 24:15. Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,¹⁶Numbers 24:16. the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:¹⁷Numbers 24:17. I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.¹⁸Numbers 24:18. Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.¹⁹Numbers 24:19. A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”²⁰Numbers 24:20. Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”²¹Numbers 24:21. Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff.²²Numbers 24:22. Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”²³Numbers 24:23. Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?²⁴Numbers 24:24. Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”²⁵Numbers 24:25. Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.