Numbers 24

1When Balaam saw that it was good in the eyes of Yahweh to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to seek omens, but set his face toward the wilderness.

2Then Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel dwelling according to its tribes, and the Spirit of God came upon him.

3Then he took up his discourse and said: “The declaration of Balaam son of Beor, the declaration of the man whose eye is opened.”

4the declaration of one who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, yet with eyes uncovered:

5How good are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!

6Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that Yahweh has planted, like cedars beside the waters.

7Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will be in abundant waters; his king will be higher than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.

8God brings him out of Egypt; he has for him the horns of a wild ox. He will consume the nations that are his adversaries, and will gnaw their bones and crush them with his arrows.

9He crouched, he lay down like a lion, and like a lioness—who will rouse him? Those who bless you are blessed, and those who curse you are cursed.

10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but look—you have indeed blessed them these three times!”

11So now, flee to your place. I said, ‘I would surely honor you,’ but behold, Yahweh has kept you back from honor.

12Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not also speak to your messengers whom you sent to me, saying,”

13If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of Yahweh, to do good or evil from my own heart. Whatever Yahweh speaks, that I will speak.

14And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the latter days.

15Then he took up his discourse and said: “The declaration of Balaam son of Beor, the declaration of the man whose eye is opened:”

16the declaration of one who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, yet with uncovered eyes:

17I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star has come forth from Jacob, and a scepter has risen from Israel; it will crush the corners of Moab and tear down all the sons of Sheth.

18Edom will become a possession; Seir also will become a possession for his enemies, while Israel acts valiantly.

19And one shall rule from Jacob, and he shall destroy the survivor from the city.

20Then he saw Amalek and took up his discourse and said: “Amalek was the first of the nations, but his end is utter destruction.”

21Then he saw the Kenite, and he took up his discourse and said: “Your dwelling place is enduring, and your nest is set in the rock.”

22For if Kain is destined for burning, how long before Asshur carries you away captive?

23Then he took up his discourse and said, “Alas, who can live when God does this?”

24But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim, and they shall afflict Asshur, and they shall afflict Eber; and he too shall come to destruction.

25Then Balaam rose and went and returned to his place, and Balak also went on his way.