Numbers 24:1-11 ▼

1 Balaam, however, perceiving that the LORD was pleased to bless Israel, did not go aside as before to seek omens, but turned his gaze toward the wilderness.

2 When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped, tribe by tribe, the spirit of God came upon him,

3 and he recited his poem: The oracle of Balaam, son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is true,

4 The oracle of one who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows, Of one who sees what the Almighty sees, in rapture and with eyes unveiled:

5 How pleasant are your tents, Jacob; your encampments, Israel!

6 Like palm trees spread out, like gardens beside a river, Like aloes the LORD planted, like cedars beside water;

7 Water will drip from their buckets, their seed will have plentiful water; Their king will rise higher than Agag and their dominion will be exalted.

8 They have the like of a wild ox’s horns: God who brought them out of Egypt. They will devour hostile nations, break their bones, and crush their loins.

9 Crouching, they lie like a lion, or like a lioness; who will arouse them? Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you!

10 In a blaze of anger at Balaam, Balak clapped his hands and said to him, “It was to lay a curse on my foes that I summoned you here; yet three times now you have actually blessed them!

11 Now flee to your home. I promised to reward you richly, but the LORD has withheld the reward from you!”