Numbers 24

1By now Balaam realized that the Lord was determined to bless Israel, so he did not resort to divination as before. Instead, he turned and looked out toward the wilderness, 2where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him, 3and this is the message he delivered:

“This is the message of Balaam son of Beor,

the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,

4the message of one who hears the words of God,

who sees a vision from the Almighty,

who bows down with eyes wide open:

5How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob;

how lovely are your homes, O Israel!

6They spread before me like palm groves,*

like gardens by the riverside.

They are like tall trees planted by the Lord,

like cedars beside the waters.

7Water will flow from their buckets;

their offspring have all they need.

Their king will be greater than Agag;

their kingdom will be exalted.

8God brought them out of Egypt;

for them he is as strong as a wild ox.

He devours all the nations that oppose him,

breaking their bones in pieces,

shooting them with arrows.

9Like a lion, Israel crouches and lies down;

like a lioness, who dares to arouse her?

Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,

and cursed is everyone who curses you.”

10King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, “I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times. 11Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the Lord has kept you from your reward.”

12Balaam told Balak, “Don’t you remember what I told your messengers? I said, 13‘Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord.’ I told you that I could say only what the Lord says! 14Now I am returning to my own people. But first let me tell you what the Israelites will do to your people in the future.”