Numbers 24:1-25 ICB

[1] Balaam saw that the Lord wanted to bless Israel. So Balaam did not try to use any magic. He looked toward the desert. [2] Balaam saw the Israelites camped in their tribes. Then the Spirit of God entered him. [3] And Balaam gave this message: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor. This is the message of a man who sees clearly. [4] This is the message of a man who heard the words of God. I see a vision from the All-Powerful One. My eyes are open as I fall before him. [5] Your tents are beautiful, people of Jacob! So are your homes, Israel! [6] Your tents spread out like valleys. They are like gardens beside a river. They are like spices planted by the Lord. They are like cedar trees growing by the water. [7] Israel's water buckets will always be full. Their crops will have plenty of water. Their king will be greater than Agag. Their kingdom will be very great. [8] God brought them out of Egypt. They are as strong as a wild ox. They will defeat their enemies. They will break their enemies' bones. They will shoot them with arrows. [9] Like a lion, they lie waiting to attack. No one would wake a sleeping lion. Anyone who blesses you will be blessed. And anyone who curses you will be cursed." [10] Then Balak was angry with Balaam. Balak pounded his fist. He said to Balaam, "I called you here to curse my enemies. But you have blessed them three times. [11] Now go home! I said I would pay you well. But the Lord has made you lose your reward." [12] Balaam said to Balak, "You sent messengers to me. I told them, [13] 'Balak could give me his palace filled with silver and gold. But I still cannot go against the Lord's commands. I could not do anything, good or bad, on my own. I must say what the Lord says.' [14] Now I am going back to my own people. But I will tell you what these people will do to your people in the future." [15] Then Balaam gave this message: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor. This is the message of a man who sees clearly. [16] This is the message of a man who hears the words of God. I know the Most High God. I see a vision from the All-Powerful One. My eyes are open as I fall before him. [17] I see someone who will come some day. I see someone who will come, but not soon. A star will come from Jacob. A ruler will rise from Israel. He will crush the heads of the Moabites. He will smash the skulls of the sons of Sheth. [18] Edom will be conquered. His enemy Edom will be conquered. But Israel will grow wealthy. [19] The descendants of Jacob will beat them down. The Israelites will destroy those left in the city." [20] Then Balaam saw Amalek and gave this message: "Amalek was the most important nation. But Amalek will be destroyed at last." [21] Then Balaam saw the Kenites and gave this message: "Your home is safe. It is like a nest on a cliff. [22] But you Kenites will be burned up. Assyria will keep you captive." [23] Then Balaam gave this message: "No one can live when God does this. [24] Ships will sail from the shores of Cyprus. They will defeat Assyria and Eber. But they will also be destroyed." [25] Then Balaam got up and returned home. Balak also went on his way.