Chapter 24
1And when Balaam saw that it pleased AO to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions but he turned his face toward the wilderness.
2When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe the Spirit of God came upon him
3and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “[This is] the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
4the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
5How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling, O Israel!
6They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes AO has planted, like cedars beside the waters.
7Water will flow from his buckets and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag and his kingdom will be exalted.
8God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
9He crouches like a lion, he lies down like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I have summoned you to curse my enemies but behold you have persisted in blessing [them] these three times.
11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you but instead AO has denied your reward.”
12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me
13that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of AO? I will speak whatever AO says.
14Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”
15Then [Balaam] lifted up an oracle saying, “[This is] the prophecy of Balaam, son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
16the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, a vision from the Almighty, who sees who bows down with eyes wide open:
17I see him but not now. I behold him but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
18Edom will become a possession [as] will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.
19A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”
20Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle: “Amalek was first among the nations but his end [is] destruction.”
21Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle saying: “Your dwelling place is secure and your nest is set in a cliff.
22Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”
23Once more [Balaam] lifted up an oracle saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?
24Ships [will come] from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”
25Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland and Balak also went on his way.