Numbers 24 — BSB
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Balaam’s Third Oracle
24Verse 1And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.Verse 2When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,Verse 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,Verse 4the prophecy of one who hears the words of God,who sees a vision from the Almighty,+
who bows down with eyes wide open:Verse 5How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,your dwellings, O Israel!Verse 6They spread out like palm groves,+like gardens beside a stream,like aloes the LORD has planted,like cedars beside the waters.Verse 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.Verse 8God brought him out of Egyptwith strength like a wild ox,to devour hostile nations and crush their bones,to pierce them with arrows.Verse 9He crouches, he lies down like a lion,like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?Blessed are those who bless youand cursed are those who curse you.”
Balak Dismisses Balaam
Verse 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.Verse 11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”Verse 12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent meVerse 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 must speak whatever the LORD says.Verse 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.”Balaam’s Fourth Oracle
Verse 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,Verse 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:Verse 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 Moaband strike down all the sons of Sheth.Verse 18Edom will become a possession,as will Seir, his enemy;
but Israel will perform with valor.Verse 19A ruler will come from Jacoband destroy the survivors of the city.”
Balaam’s Final Three Oracles
Verse 20Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying:“Amalek was first among the nations,but his end is destruction.”Verse 21Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying:
“Your dwelling place is secure,and your nest is set in a cliff.Verse 22Yet Kain will be destroyedwhen Asshur+takes you captive.”Verse 23Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying:
“Ah, who can liveunless God has ordained it?Verse 24Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus;+they will subdue Asshur and Eber,
but they too will perish forever.”Verse 25Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.