24Numbers 24

1Balaam was sure that the Lord would tell him to bless Israel again. So he did not use any magic to find out what the Lord wanted him to do, as he had the first two times. Instead, he looked out toward the desertSelect Numbers 24:1

2and saw the tribes of Israel camped below. Just then, God's Spirit took control of him,Select Numbers 24:2

3and Balaam said: “I am the son of Beor, and my words are true, so listen to my message!Select Numbers 24:3

4It comes from the Lord, the God All-Powerful. I bowed down to him and saw a vision of Israel.Select Numbers 24:4

5“People of Israel, your camp is lovely.Select Numbers 24:5

6It's like a grove of palm trees or a garden beside a river. You are like tall aloe trees that the Lord has planted, or like cedars growing near water.Select Numbers 24:6

7You and your descendants will prosper like an orchard beside a stream. Your king will rule with power and be a greater king than Agag the Amalekite.Select Numbers 24:7

8With the strength of a wild ox, God led you out of Egypt. You will defeat your enemies, shooting them with arrows and crushing their bones.Select Numbers 24:8

9Like a lion you lie down, resting after an attack. Who would dare disturb you? “Anyone who blesses you will be blessed; anyone who curses you will be cursed.”Select Numbers 24:9

10When Balak heard this, he was so furious that he pounded his fist against his hand and said, “I called you here to place a curse on my enemies, and you've blessed them three times.Select Numbers 24:10

11Leave now and go home! I told you I would pay you well, but since the Lord didn't let you do what I asked, you won't be paid.”Select Numbers 24:11

12Balaam answered, “I told your messengersSelect Numbers 24:12

13that even if you offered me a palace full of silver or gold, I would still obey the Lord. And I explained that I would say only what he told me.Select Numbers 24:13

14So I'm going back home, but I'm leaving you with a warning about what the Israelites will someday do to your nation.”Select Numbers 24:14

Balaam's Fourth Message

15Balaam said: “I am the son of Beor, and my words are true, so listen to my message!Select Numbers 24:15

16My knowledge comes from God Most High, the Lord All-Powerful. I bowed down to him and saw a vision of Israel.Select Numbers 24:16

17“What I saw in my vision hasn't happened yet. But someday, a king of Israel will appear like a star. He will wipe out you Moabites and destroy those tribes who live in the desert.Select Numbers 24:17

18Israel will conquer Edom and capture the land of that enemy nation.Select Numbers 24:18

19The king of Israel will rule and destroy the survivors of every town there.Select Numbers 24:19

20“And I saw this vision about the Amalekites: Their nation is now great, but it will someday disappear forever.Select Numbers 24:20

21“And this is what I saw about the Kenites: They think they're safe, living among the rocks,Select Numbers 24:21

22but they will be wiped out when Assyria conquers them.Select Numbers 24:22

23“No one can survive if God plans destruction.Select Numbers 24:23

24Ships will come from Cyprus, bringing people who will invade the lands of Assyria and Eber. But finally, Cyprus itself will be ruined.”Select Numbers 24:24

25After Balaam finished, he started home, and Balak also left.Select Numbers 24:25