Numbers 24

1 When Balaam noticed that the LORD was pleased that Balaam was blessing Israel, he didn’t behave as he had time after time before, that is, to practice divination. Instead, he turned with his face to the wilderness,ISV — Numbers 24:1

2 looked up, and saw Israel encamped in their respective tribal order. Just then, the spirit of God came upon him.ISV — Numbers 24:2

3 Balaam uttered this prophetic statement: “A declaration by Beor’s son Balaam, a declaration by the strong, blind man. ^{a24:3 Lit. strong man with a closed eye}ISV — Numbers 24:3

4 A declaration from one who hears what God has to say, who saw the vision that the Almighty revealed, who keeps stumbling with open eyes.ISV — Numbers 24:4

5 Jacob, your tents are so fine, as well as your dwelling places, ^{b24:5 Or your tents} O Israel!ISV — Numbers 24:5

6 They’re spread out like valleys, like gardens along river banks, like aloe planted by the LORD, or like cedars beside water.ISV — Numbers 24:6

7 He will pour water from his buckets, and his descendants will stream forth like abundant water. His king will be more exalted than Agag when he exalts his own kingdom.ISV — Numbers 24:7

8 God is bringing them ^{c24:8 Lit. him; i.e. national Israel personified as an individual} out of Egypt with the strength of an ox. He’ll devour enemy nations, break their bones, and impale them with arrows.ISV — Numbers 24:8

9 He crouches, laying low like a lion. Who would awaken him? Those who bless you are blessed, and those who curse you are cursed.”ISV — Numbers 24:9

10 Balak flew into a rage and he started hitting his fists together. “I called you to curse my enemies,” he yelled at Balaam. “But look here! You’ve blessed them three times!ISV — Numbers 24:10

11 Now get out of here! I had promised you that I would definitely honor you, but now the LORD has kept me from doing that!”ISV — Numbers 24:11

12 But Balaam replied to Balak, “I told your messengers,ISV — Numbers 24:12

13 ‘Even if Balak gives me his palace ^{d24:13 Or house} full of silver and gold, I won’t double-cross the command of the LORD and do anything—whether good or evil—on my own initiative, because I’m going to say whatever the LORD says.’ISV — Numbers 24:13

14 Meanwhile, since I have to return to my people, come and listen while I tell you what this people will be doing to your people in the last days.”ISV — Numbers 24:14

15 Then Balaam ^{e24:15 Lit. he} uttered this prophetic statement: “The declaration by Beor’s son Balaam, a declaration by the strong, blind man.ISV — Numbers 24:15

16 A declaration from one who hears what God has to say, who knows what the Most High knows, who saw the vision that the Almighty revealed, who keeps stumbling with open eyes.ISV — Numbers 24:16

17 I can see him, but not right now. I observe him, but from a distance. ^{f24:17 Lit. but not nearby} A star streams forth from Jacob; a scepter arises from Israel. He will crush Moab’s forehead, along with all of Seth’s descendants.ISV — Numbers 24:17

18 Edom will be a conquered nation and Seir will be Israel’s ^{g24:18 Lit. his} defeated foe, while Israel performs valiantly.ISV — Numbers 24:18

19 He will rule over Jacob, annihilating those who survive in the city.”ISV — Numbers 24:19

20 Next, Balaam ^{h24:20 Lit. he} looked directly at Amalek and then uttered this prophetic statement: “Even though Amalek is an international leader, his future is permanent destruction.”ISV — Numbers 24:20

21 Balaam also uttered this prophetic statement about the Kenites: ^{i24:21 i.e. gentile Midianites} “Your dwelling places are stable, because your nest is carved in solid rock.ISV — Numbers 24:21

22 Nevertheless, Kain will be incinerated. How long will it take until Asshur ^{j24:22 i.e. ancient Assyria} takes you hostage?”ISV — Numbers 24:22

23 Finally, he uttered this prophetic statement: “Ah, who can live, unless God makes it happen?ISV — Numbers 24:23

24 Ships under control of Kittim will devastate Asshur and Eber, until they are permanently destroyed.”ISV — Numbers 24:24

25 Then Balaam got up, returned to his country, and Balak went on his way.ISV — Numbers 24:25