Numbers 24

English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website

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1Balaam saw that the Lord was pleased to give his blessing to Israel. So he didn't try to use evil magic as he had done at other times. Instead, he turned and looked toward the desert.

2He looked out and saw Israel. They had set up their camps tribe by tribe. The Spirit of God came on him.

3Balaam spoke the message he had received from God. He said, "Here is the message God gave Balaam, the son of Beor. It's the message God gave to the one who sees clearly.

4It's the message God gave to the one who hears the words of God. He sees a vision from the Mighty One. He falls down flat with his face toward the ground. His eyes have been opened by the Lord.

5"People of Jacob, your tents are very beautiful. Israel, the places where you live are very beautiful.

6"They spread out like valleys. They are like gardens beside a river. They are like aloes the Lord has planted. They are like cedar trees beside a stream.

7Their water buckets will run over. Their seeds will have plenty of water. "Their king will be greater than King Agag. Their kingdom will be honored.

8"God brought them out of Egypt. They are as strong as a wild ox. They eat up nations that are at war with them. They break their bones in pieces. They wound them with their arrows.

9Like a male lion they lie down and sleep. They are like a female lion. Who dares to wake them up? May those who bless you be blessed! May those who call down a curse on you be cursed!"

10Then Balak's anger burned against Balaam. He slapped his hands together. He said to Balaam, "I sent for you to put a curse on my enemies. But you have given them a blessing three times.

11Get out of here right away! Go home! I said I'd make you very rich. But the Lord has kept you from getting rich."

12Balaam answered Balak, "Here is what I told the messengers you sent me.

13I said, 'Balak could give me his palace filled with silver and gold. Even if I wanted to, I still couldn't do anything at all that goes beyond what the Lord commands. I have to say only what the Lord tells me to say.'

14"Now I'm going back to my people. But come. Let me warn you about what these people will do to your people in days to come."

15Then Balaam spoke the message he had received from God. He said, "Here is the message God gave Balaam, the son of Beor. It's the message God gave to the one who sees clearly.

16It's the message God gave to the one who hears the words of God. The Most High God has given him knowledge. He sees a vision from the Mighty One. He falls down flat with his face toward the ground. His eyes have been opened by the Lord.

17"I see him, but I don't see him now. I view him, but he isn't near. A star will come from among the people of Jacob. A king will rise up out of Israel. He'll crush the foreheads of the people of Moab. He'll crush the skulls of all of the sons of Sheth.

18He'll win the battle over Edom. He'll win the battle over his enemy Seir. But Israel will grow strong.

19A ruler will come from among the people of Jacob. He'll destroy those from the city who are still alive."

20Then Balaam saw the people of Amalek. He spoke the message he had received from God. He said, "Amalek was the first nation to attack Israel. But they will finally be destroyed."

21Then he saw the Kenites. He spoke the message he had received from God. He said, "The place where you live is safe. Your nest is on a high cliff.

22But you Kenites will be destroyed. Assyria will take you as prisoners."

23Then he spoke the message he had received from God. He said, "Who can live when God does this?

24Ships will come from the shores of Kittim. They will bring Assyria and Eber under their control. But they themselves will also be destroyed."

25Then Balaam got up and returned home. And Balak went on his way.

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