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.
2When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,
3and he lifted up an oracle, saying:
4the prophecy of one who hears the words of God,
5How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,
6They spread out like palm groves,24:6 Or like valleys
7Water will flow from his buckets,
8God brought him out of Egypt
9He crouches, he lies down like a lion;
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.
11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”
12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me
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.
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.”
15Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying,
16the prophecy of one who hears the words of God,
17I see him, but not now;
18Edom will become a possession,
19A ruler will come from Jacob
20Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying:
21Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying:
22Yet Kain will be destroyed
23Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying:
24Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus;24:24 Hebrew Kittim
25Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.