Numbers 24
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1And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.1When 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,
2When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,2looked up, and saw Israel encamped in their respective tribal order. Just then, the spirit of God came upon him.
3and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,3Balaam uttered this prophetic statement: "A declaration by Beor's son Balaam, a declaration by the strong, blind man.
4the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:4A declaration from one who hears what God has to say, who saw the vision that the Almighty revealed, who keeps stumbling with open eyes.
5How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!5Jacob, your tents are so fine, as well as your dwelling places, O Israel!
6They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.6They're spread out like valleys, like gardens along river banks, like aloe planted by the LORD, or like cedars beside water.
7Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.7He 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.
8God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.8God is bringing them out of Egypt with the strength of an ox. He'll devour enemy nations, break their bones, and impale them with arrows.
9He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”9He crouches, laying low like a lion. Who would awaken him? Those who bless you are blessed, and those who curse you are cursed."
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.10Balak 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!
11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”11Now get out of here! I had promised you that I would definitely honor you, but now the LORD has kept me from doing that!"
12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me12But Balaam replied to Balak, "I told your messengers,
13that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I will speak whatever the LORD says.13Even if Balak gives me his palace 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.'
14Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”14Meanwhile, 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."
15Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,15Then Balaam uttered this prophetic statement: "The declaration by Beor's son Balaam, a declaration by the strong, blind man.
16the prophecy 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:16A 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.
17I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.17I can see him, but not right now. I observe him, but from a distance. A star streams forth from Jacob; a scepter arises from Israel. He will crush Moab's forehead, along with all of Seth's descendants.
18Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.18Edom will be a conquered nation and Seir will be Israel's defeated foe, while Israel performs valiantly.
19A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”19He will rule over Jacob, annihilating those who survive in the city."
20Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”20Next, Balaam looked directly at Amalek and then uttered this prophetic statement: "Even though Amalek is an international leader, his future is permanent destruction."
21Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff.21Balaam also uttered this prophetic statement about the Kenites: "Your dwelling places are stable, because your nest is carved in solid rock.
22Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”22Nevertheless, Kain will be incinerated. How long will it take until Asshur takes you hostage?"
23Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?23Finally, he uttered this prophetic statement: "Ah, who can live, unless God makes it happen?
24Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”24Ships under control of Kittim will devastate Asshur and Eber, until they are permanently destroyed."
25Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.25Then Balaam got up, returned to his country, and Balak went on his way.
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Numbers 23
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