Numbers Chapter 24
Balaam’s Third Oracle
24;1When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he didn’t go like before to look for omens, but faced the open country. 2 He saw Israel camping by tribes, and God’s Spirit came on him. 3 He took up this oracle:
“The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
the oracle of a man with his eyes wide open,
4 the oracle of one that hears God’s message,
that sees a vision from the Almighty,
that falls down with his eyes wide open.
5 “How fair your tents, Jacob,
the places where you live, Israel!
6 like valleys that stretch out,
like orchards beside a river,
like aloes the LORD planted,
like cedars beside the water.
7 Water will flow from Jacob’s buckets;
his seed will live by abundant water;
his king will be greater than Agag;
his kingdom will be exalted.
8 God is bringing him out of Egypt;
he’s like the horns of a wild ox for him.
He’ll devastate the nations that oppose him;
he’ll crush their bones to pieces
and shatter them with his arrows.
9 Israel lies down like a lion;
who dares to rouse him?
Blessed is everyone that blesses him;
cursed are all who curse him.”
Num 24:1-9
10 Balak was mad at Balaam. He clapped his hands, and said, “I called you to curse my enemies, and you’ve persisted in blessing them three times! 11 Go back home. I said I’d greatly honor you, but the LORD has prevented you from receiving your honor.”
12 Balaam said,
“Didn’t I tell your messengers, 13 ‘Though Balak gives me his house full of silver and gold, on my own I can’t do anything contrary to the LORD’s command, good or bad. I’ll say what he says.’? 14 I’m going to my people, but I’ll advise you what this nation will do to your people later.”
Num 24:10-14
Balaam’s Last Oracle
15 He took up this oracle:
“The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
the oracle of a man with his eyes wide open,
16 the oracle of one that hears God’s message,
that knows Elyon,
that sees a vision from the Almighty,
and falls down with eyes wide open.
17 “I see him, but not now;
I look at him, but not near.
A star will rise out of Jacob;
a scepter will arise from Israel.
He’ll crush the forehead of Moab
and tear down the sons of Sheth.
18 Edom will be a possession;
Seir, his enemy, will be overtaken,
while Israel grows strong.
19 A ruler will arise from Jacob
and destroy the remnant of Ir.
Num 24:15-19
20 He looked at Amalek and took up this oracle:
“Amalek was first among the nations,
but he’ll end in destruction.”
21 He looked at the Kenites and took up this oracle:
“Where you live endures;
your nest sits on a cliff.
22 Nevertheless, Kain will be consumed;
how long will Asshur hold you captive?
23 He took up his oracle:
“Who can live except God ordains it?
24 But ships will come from the coast of Kittim
and attack Asshur and Eber;
so they’ll end up in destruction too.”
25 Balaam went home and Balak left.
Num 24:20-25