[1] By now Balaam realized that the Lord was determined to bless Israel, so he did not resort to divination as before. Instead, he turned and looked out toward the wilderness,
[2] where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him,
[3] and this is the message he delivered: “This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,
[4] the message of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
[5] How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob; how lovely are your homes, O Israel!
[6] They spread before me like palm groves, like gardens by the riverside. They are like tall trees planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters.
[7] Water will flow from their buckets; their offspring have all they need. Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted.
[8] God brought them out of Egypt; for them he is as strong as a wild ox. He devours all the nations that oppose him, breaking their bones in pieces, shooting them with arrows.
[9] Like a lion, Israel crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to arouse her? Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you.”
[10] King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, “I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times.
[11] Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the Lord has kept you from your reward.”
[12] Balaam told Balak, “Don’t you remember what I told your messengers? I said,
[13] ‘Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord.’ I told you that I could say only what the Lord says!
[14] Now I am returning to my own people. But first let me tell you what the Israelites will do to your people in the future.”
[15] This is the message Balaam delivered: “This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,
[16] the message of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
[17] I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the heads of Moab’s people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth.
[18] Edom will be taken over, and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered, while Israel marches on in triumph.
[19] A ruler will rise in Jacob who will destroy the survivors of Ir.”
[20] Then Balaam looked over toward the people of Amalek and delivered this message: “Amalek was the greatest of nations, but its destiny is destruction!”
[21] Then he looked over toward the Kenites and delivered this message: “Your home is secure; your nest is set in the rocks.
[22] But the Kenites will be destroyed when Assyria takes you captive.”
[23] Balaam concluded his messages by saying: “Alas, who can survive unless God has willed it?
[24] Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will oppress Assyria and afflict Eber, but they, too, will be utterly destroyed.”
[25] Then Balaam left and returned home, and Balak also went on his way.