Numbers 23:18-30 ▼

18 In response, Balaam uttered this prophetic statement: |Stand up, Balak, and pay attention! Listen to me, you son of Zippor!

19 God is not a human male— he doesn't lie, nor is he a human being— he never vacillates. Once he speaks up, he's going to act, isn't he? Once he makes a promise, he'll fulfill it, won't he?

20 Look! I've received a blessing, and so I will bless. I won't withdraw it.

21 He has not responded to iniquity in Jacob or gazed at mischief in Israel. The LORD his God is with them, and the triumphant cry of a king is among them.

22 From Egypt God brought them— his strength was like a wild ox!

23 No Satanic plan against Jacob nor divination against Israel can ever prevail. When the time is right, it is to be asked about Jacob and Israel, 'What has God accomplished?'

24 Look! The people are like lions. Like the lion, he rises up! He does not lie down again until he has consumed his prey and drunk the blood of the slain.|

25 Then Balak told Balaam, |Don't curse them or bless them!|

26 |Didn't I tell you,| Balaam responded to Balak, |that I'll say whatever the LORD tells me to say?|

27 So Balak exhorted Balaam, |Let's go right now! I'll take you to another place. Maybe God will agree to have you curse them for me from there.|

28 So Balak took Balaam to the top of Mount Peor, which overlooks the open wilderness.

29 Balaam told Balak, |Build seven altars for me right here. Then prepare seven bulls and seven rams.|

30 Balak did just what Balaam had instructed—he offered a bull and a ram on each altar.