GodsWord - Numbers - 24

24:1  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,

24:2  looked up, and saw Israel's camp grouped by tribes. The Spirit of God entered him,

24:3  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.

24:4  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:

24:5  How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, and the places where you live, Israel.

24:6  Your tents spread out like rivers, like gardens by a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars by the water.

24:7  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.

24:8  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.

24:9  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!"

24:10  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.

24:11  Get out of here! Go home! I said I'd reward you richly, but the LORD has made you lose your reward."

24:12  Balaam answered Balak, "I told the messengers you sent me,

24:13  '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.'

24:14  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."

24:15  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.

24:16  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:

24:17  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.

24:18  Edom will be conquered, and Seir, his enemy, will be conquered. So Israel will become wealthy.

24:19  He will rule from Jacob and destroy whoever is left in their cities."

24:20  Then Balaam saw the Amalekites and delivered this message: "Amalek was first among the nations, but in the end it will be destroyed."

24:21  Then he saw the Kenites and delivered this message: "You have a permanent place to live. Your nest is built in a rock.

24:22  But it is destined to be burned, you descendants of Cain, when Assyria takes you as prisoners of war."

24:23  He delivered this message: "Oh no! Who will live when God decides to do this?

24:24  Ships will come from the shores of Cyprus. They will conquer Assyria and Eber. But they, too, will be totally destroyed."

24:25  Then Balaam got up and went back home, and Balak also went on his way.