Numbers 24

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1. 1When Balaam realized that the LORD was determined to bless Israel, he didn't go off to seek omens as he had done before. Instead, he turned and faced the wilderness.
2. 2Balaam looked up and saw Israel spread out below, camped tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came upon him.
3. 3He spoke this prophecy: "This is the declaration of Balaam son of Beor — the man whose eyes have been opened speaks:
4. 4The one who hears the words of God speaks, the one who sees visions from the Almighty, falling into a trance with his eyes wide open:
5. 5How beautiful are your tents, Jacob — your dwelling places, Israel!
6. 6They stretch out like valleys, like gardens along a river, like aloe trees the LORD has planted, like cedars growing beside the water.
7. 7Water will overflow from his buckets, and his descendants will thrive like crops beside abundant streams. His king will rise higher than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.
8. 8God brought him out of Egypt; he has the strength of a unicorn. He will devour the nations that oppose him, crush their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
9. 9He crouches and lies down like a lion — like a great lioness. Who dares to rouse him? Anyone who blesses you will be blessed, and anyone who curses you will be cursed."
10. 10Balak was furious with Balaam. He slammed his hands together and said, "I brought you here to curse my enemies, and instead you've blessed them — 3 times now!
11. 11Therefore, now flee to your place. I intended to promote you to great honor, but the LORD has kept you from honor.
12. 12Balaam replied, "Didn't I tell the messengers you sent to me,
13. 13'Even if Balak gave me his entire palace filled with silver and gold, I couldn't go against the LORD's command and do anything on my own — whether good or bad. I can only speak what the LORD tells me'?
14. 14Now I'm heading back to my own people. But before I go, let me warn you about what this people will do to your people in the days to come."
15. 15Then he spoke this prophecy: "This is the declaration of Balaam son of Beor — the man whose eyes have been opened speaks:
16. 16The one who hears the words of God speaks, the one who possesses knowledge from the Most High, who sees visions from the Almighty, falling into a trance with his eyes wide open:
17. 17I will see him, but not now. I will look upon him, but not near. A Star will come out of Jacob, and a Sceptre will rise out of Israel, strike the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18. 18Edom will be conquered. Seir — his enemy's land — will become his possession, while Israel marches forward in triumph.
19. 19A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy every survivor in the city."
20. 20Then Balaam looked toward Amalek and spoke this prophecy: "Amalek was the first among the nations, but in the end, he will be destroyed forever."
21. 21Next he looked toward the Kenites and spoke this prophecy: "Your home seems secure — your nest is built high in the rock.
22. 22But even so, the Kenites will be devastated, until Asshur carries you away as captives."
23. 23He spoke yet another prophecy: "Who can possibly survive when God does this?
24. 24Ships will come from the shores of Chittim. They will bring suffering to Asshur and suffering to Eber, but they too will be destroyed forever."
25. 25After this, Balaam got up and returned home, and Balak went on his way.