23Numbers 23

Balaam's First Message

1Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars here, then bring seven bulls and seven rams.”Select Numbers 23:1

2After Balak had done this, they sacrificed a bull and a ram on each altar.Select Numbers 23:2

3Then Balaam said, “Wait here beside your offerings, and I'll go somewhere to be alone. Maybe the Lord will appear to me. If he does, I will tell you everything he says.” And he left.Select Numbers 23:3

4When God appeared to him, Balaam said, “I have built seven altars and have sacrificed a bull and a ram on each one.”Select Numbers 23:4

5The Lord gave Balaam a message, then sent him back to tell Balak.Select Numbers 23:5

6When Balaam returned, he found Balak and his officials standing beside the offerings.Select Numbers 23:6

7Balaam said: “King Balak of Moab brought me from the hills of Syria to curse Israel and announce its doom.Select Numbers 23:7

8But I can't go against God! He did not curse or condemn Israel. *Select Numbers 23:8

9“From the mountain peaks, I look down and see Israel, the obedient people of God.Select Numbers 23:9

10They are living alone in peace. And though they are many, they don't bother the other nations. “I hope to obey God for as long as I live and to die in such peace.”Select Numbers 23:10

11Balak said, “What are you doing? I asked you to come and place a curse on my enemies. But you have blessed them instead!”Select Numbers 23:11

12Balaam answered, “I can say only what the Lord tells me.”Select Numbers 23:12

Balaam's Second Message

13Balak said to Balaam, “Let's go somewhere else. Maybe if you see a smaller part of the Israelites, you will be able to curse them for me.”Select Numbers 23:13

14So he took Balaam to a field on top of Mount Pisgah where lookouts were stationed. Then he built seven altars there and sacrificed a bull and a ram on each one.Select Numbers 23:14

15“Wait here beside your offerings,” Balaam said. “The Lord will appear to me over there.”Select Numbers 23:15

16The Lord appeared to Balaam and gave him another message, then he told him to go and tell Balak.Select Numbers 23:16

17Balaam went back and saw him and his officials standing beside the offerings. Balak asked, “What did the Lord say?”Select Numbers 23:17

18Balaam answered: “Pay close attention to my words—Select Numbers 23:18

19God is no mere human! He doesn't tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.Select Numbers 23:19

20“My command from God was to bless these people, and there's nothing I can do to change what he has done.Select Numbers 23:20

21Israel's king is the Lord God. He lives there with them and intends them no harm.Select Numbers 23:21

22With the strength of a wild ox, God led Israel out of Egypt.Select Numbers 23:22

23No magic charms can work against them— just look what God has done for his people.Select Numbers 23:23

24They are like angry lions ready to attack; and they won't rest until their victim is gobbled up.”Select Numbers 23:24

25Balak shouted, “If you're not going to curse Israel, then at least don't bless them.”Select Numbers 23:25

26“I've already told you,” Balaam answered. “I will say only what the Lord tells me.”Select Numbers 23:26

Balaam's Third Message

27Balak said to Balaam, “Come on, let's try another place. Maybe God will let you curse Israel from there.”Select Numbers 23:27

28So he took Balaam to Mount Peor overlooking the desert north of the Dead Sea.Select Numbers 23:28

29Balaam said, “Build seven altars here, then bring me seven bulls and seven rams.”Select Numbers 23:29

30After Balak had done what Balaam asked, he sacrificed a bull and a ram on each altar.Select Numbers 23:30