Numbers 24:1-25 GW

[1] When Balaam saw that the LORD wanted to bless Israel, he didn't look for omens as he had done before. He turned toward the desert, [2] looked up, and saw Israel's camp grouped by tribes. The Spirit of God entered him, [3] and he delivered this message: "This is the message of Balaam, son of Beor. This is the message of the man whose eyesight is clear. [4] This is the message of the one who hears the words of God, has a vision from the Almighty, and falls into a trance with his eyes open: [5] How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, and the places where you live, Israel. [6] Your tents spread out like rivers, like gardens by a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars by the water. [7] Water will flow from their buckets, and their crops will have plenty of water. Their king will be greater than Agag, and their kingdom will be considered the best. [8] The God who brought them out of Egypt has the strength of a wild bull. He will devour nations that are his enemies, crush their bones, and pierce them with arrows. [9] His people lie down and rest like a lion. They are like a lioness. Who dares to disturb them? Those who bless you will be blessed! Those who curse you will be cursed!" [10] Balak became angry with Balaam. He clapped his hands and said, "I summoned you to curse my enemies, and now you have blessed them three times. [11] Get out of here! Go home! I said I'd reward you richly, but the LORD has made you lose your reward." [12] Balaam answered Balak, "I told the messengers you sent me, [13] 'Even if Balak would give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I couldn't disobey the LORD's command no matter how good or bad the request might seem to me. I must say only what the LORD says.' [14] Even though I'm going back to my people, I'll give you some advice. I'll tell you what these people will do to your people in the days to come." [15] Then Balaam delivered this message: "This is the message of Balaam, son of Beor. This is the message of the man whose eyesight is clear. [16] This is the message of the one who hears the words of God, receives knowledge from the Most High, has a vision from the Almighty, and falls into a trance with his eyes open: [17] I see someone who is not here now. I look at someone who is not nearby. A star will come from Jacob. A scepter will rise from Israel. He will crush the heads of the Moabites and destroy all the people of Sheth. [18] Edom will be conquered, and Seir, his enemy, will be conquered. So Israel will become wealthy. [19] He will rule from Jacob and destroy whoever is left in their cities." [20] Then Balaam saw the Amalekites and delivered this message: "Amalek was first among the nations, but in the end it will be destroyed." [21] Then he saw the Kenites and delivered this message: "You have a permanent place to live. Your nest is built in a rock. [22] But it is destined to be burned, you descendants of Cain, when Assyria takes you as prisoners of war." [23] He delivered this message: "Oh no! Who will live when God decides to do this? [24] Ships will come from the shores of Cyprus. They will conquer Assyria and Eber. But they, too, will be totally destroyed." [25] Then Balaam got up and went back home, and Balak also went on his way.