Numbers 24 - Amplified Bible(AMP)

The Prophecy from Peor

1When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as he had done each time before to seek omens and signs, but he set his face toward the wilderness (desert).

2And Balaam raised his eyes and he saw Israel living in their tents tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came on him.

3He took up his discourse (oracle) and said:

“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,

And the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,

4The oracle of one who hears the words of God,

Who sees the vision of the Almighty,

Falling down, but having his eyes open and uncovered,

5How fair are your tents, O Jacob,

And your tabernacles, O Israel!

6“Like valleys that stretch out,

Like gardens beside the river,

Like aloes planted by the Lord,

Like cedars beside the waters.

7“Water will flow from his buckets,

And his offspring will live by many waters,

And his king will be higher than Agag,

And his kingdom shall be exalted.

8“God brought Israel out of Egypt;

Israel has strength like the wild ox;

He will devour nations, his adversaries (enemies),

And will crush their bones in pieces,

And shatter them with his arrows.

9“He bowed down, he lies down as a lion;

And as a lioness, who dares to rouse him?

Blessed is he who blesses you,

And cursed is he who curses you.”

10Then Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have done nothing but bless them these three times.

11Therefore now flee to your place! I had intended to honor you greatly, but behold, the Lord has held you back from honor.”

12Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you had sent to me,

13‘Even if Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own accord. What the Lord speaks, that I will speak?’

14And now, look, I am going to my people; come, I will advise you as to what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”

15He took up his discourse (oracle) and said:

“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,

The oracle of the man whose eye is opened,

16The oracle of him who hears the words of God

And knows the knowledge of the Most High,

Who sees the vision of the Almighty,

Falling down, but having his eyes open and uncovered:

17I see Him, but not now;

I behold Him, but not near.

A star shall come forth from Jacob,

A scepter shall rise out of Israel

And shall crush the forehead of Moab

And destroy all the sons of Sheth.

18“Edom shall be a possession,

[Mount] Seir, Israel’s enemies, also will be a possession,

While Israel performs valiantly.

19“One from Jacob shall have dominion

And will destroy the remnant from the city.”

20Balaam looked at Amalek and took up his discourse (oracle) and said:

“Amalek was the first of the nations,

But his end shall be destruction.”

21And Balaam looked at the Kenites and took up his discourse (oracle) and said:

“Strong is your dwelling place,

And you set your nest in the cliff.

22“Nevertheless the Kenites will be consumed.

How long will Asshur (Assyria) keep you (Israel) captive?”

23Then he took up his discourse (oracle) and said:

“Alas, who can live unless God has ordained it?

24“But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim,

And shall afflict Asshur (Assyria) and Eber;

So they (the victors) also will come to destruction.”

25Then Balaam arose and departed and returned to his place, and Balak also went on his way.