Numbers 24:1-25 CEB

[1] Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless the Israelites, so he didn’t go as the other times to seek omens. Instead, he turned toward the desert. [2] Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping by tribes. Then God’s spirit came on him. [3] He raised his voice and made his address: “The oracle of Balaam, Beor’s son; the oracle of a man whose eye is open. [4] The oracle of one who hears God’s speech, who perceives the Almighty’s visions, who falls down with eyes uncovered. [5] How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your camps, Israel! [6] Like palm groves that stretch out, like gardens next to a river, like eaglewood trees that the LORD has planted, like cedar trees next to water. [7] Water will drip from his branches; his seed will have plenty of water; his king will be higher than Agag, and his kingdom will be lifted up. [8] God, who brought him from Egypt, is like a magnificent wild bull for him. He will devour enemy nations and break their bones; he will strike with his arrows. [9] He crouched and lay down like a lion; like a lioness, who can make her rise? The one blessing you will be blessed, and the one cursing you will be cursed.” [10] Balak was angry with Balaam. He pounded his fists. Balak said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but now you’ve given a blessing these three times. [11] Now get out of here and go home. I told you I’d greatly honor you, but the LORD has denied you any honor.” [12] Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I tell your messengers, whom you sent to me, [13] ‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I wouldn’t be able to break the LORD’s command for good or ill by my own will. I’ll say whatever the LORD says’? [14] So now I’m going to my people. Let me advise you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.” [15] He raised his voice and made his address: “The oracle of Balaam, Beor’s son, the oracle of a man whose eye is open. [16] The oracle of one who hears God’s speech, and understands the Most High’s knowledge, who perceives the Almighty’s visions, who falls down with eyes uncovered. [17] I see him, but not now; I look at him, but not nearby. A star comes from Jacob; a scepter arises from Israel, smashing Moab’s forehead, the head of all the Sethites. [18] Edom will become a possession, Seir a possession of its enemies. But Israel acts powerfully. [19] Someone from Jacob will rule and destroy the survivors from Ir.” [20] He looked at Amalek and raised his voice and gave his address: “Amalek is foremost among the nations, but its end is to perish forever.” [21] He looked at the Kenites and raised his voice and gave his address: “Your dwelling is secure; your nest is set in the rock. [22] Yet Kain will burn when Asshur takes you away captive.” [23] He raised his voice and made his address: “How terrible! Who will live when God does this? [24] Ships from Kittim will attack Asshur; they will attack Eber, and even he will perish forever.” [25] Then Balaam arose, set out, and returned home. Balak also went on his way.