Numbers 24:1-25 NIV

Numbers 24:1-25 NIV [1] Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to divination as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness. [2] When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him [3] and he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, [4] the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: [5] “How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwelling places, Israel! [6] “Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters. [7] Water will flow from their buckets; their seed will have abundant water. “Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted. [8] “God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. They devour hostile nations and break their bones in pieces; with their arrows they pierce them. [9] Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse them? “May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!” [10] Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times. [11] Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the LORD has kept you from being rewarded.” [12] Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, [13] ‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the LORD says’? [14] Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you of what this people will do to your people in days to come.” [15] Then he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, [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 falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: [17] “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth. [18] Edom will be conquered; Seir, his enemy, will be conquered, but Israel will grow strong. [19] A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.” [20] Then Balaam saw Amalek and spoke his message: “Amalek was first among the nations, but their end will be utter destruction.” [21] Then he saw the Kenites and spoke his message: “Your dwelling place is secure, your nest is set in a rock; [22] yet you Kenites will be destroyed when Ashur takes you captive.” [23] Then he spoke his message: “Alas! Who can live when God does this? [24] Ships will come from the shores of Cyprus; they will subdue Ashur and Eber, but they too will come to ruin.” [25] Then Balaam got up and returned home, and Balak went his own way.

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