Numbers 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. Begin Abide·
- 2
When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him, Begin Abide·
- 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, Begin Abide·
- 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: Begin Abide·
- 5
How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel! Begin Abide·
- 6
They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters. Begin Abide·
- 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. Begin Abide·
- 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. Begin Abide·
- 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.” Begin Abide·
- 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. Begin Abide·
- 11
Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.” Begin Abide·
- 12
Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me Begin Abide·
- 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. Begin Abide·
- 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.” Begin Abide·
- 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, Begin Abide·
- 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: Begin Abide·
- 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. Begin Abide·
- 18
Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor. Begin Abide·
- 19
A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.” Begin Abide·
- 20
Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.” Begin Abide·
- 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. Begin Abide·
- 22
Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.” Begin Abide·
- 23
Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it? Begin Abide·
- 24
Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.” Begin Abide·
- 25
Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way. Begin Abide·