| |
New Living Translation |   | |
 |
| |
| | Num 24:1 | By now Balaam realized that the LORD intended to bless Israel, so he did not resort to divination as he often did. Instead, he turned and looked out toward the wilderness,
| |
| | Num 24:2 | where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him,
| |
| | Num 24:3 | and this is the prophecy he delivered: "This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of the man whose eyes see clearly,
| |
| | Num 24:4 | who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls down with eyes wide open:
| |
| | Num 24:5 | How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob; how lovely are your homes, O Israel!
| |
| | Num 24:6 | They spread before me like groves of palms, like fruitful gardens by the riverside. They are like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters.
| |
| | Num 24:7 | Water will gush out in buckets; their offspring are supplied with all they need. Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted.
| |
| | Num 24:8 | God brought them up from Egypt, drawing them along like a wild ox. He devours all the nations that oppose him, breaking their bones in pieces, shooting them with arrows.
| |
| | Num 24:9 | Like a lion, Israel crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to arouse her? Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you."
| |
| | Num 24:10 | King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, "I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times.
| |
| | Num 24:11 | Now get out of here! Go back home! I had planned to reward you richly, but the LORD has kept you from your reward."
| |
| | Num 24:12 | Balaam told Balak, "Don't you remember what I told your messengers? I said,
| |
| | Num 24:13 | 'Even if Balak were to give me a palace filled with silver and gold, I am powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD.' I told you that I could say only what the LORD says!
| |
| | Num 24:14 | Now I am returning to my own people. But first let me tell you what the Israelites will do to your people in the future."
| |
| | Num 24:15 | This is the prophecy Balaam delivered: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of the man whose eyes see clearly,
| |
| | Num 24:16 | who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls down with eyes wide open:
| |
| | Num 24:17 | I see him, but not in the present time. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the foreheads of Moab's people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth.
| |
| | Num 24:18 | Edom will be taken over, and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered, while Israel continues on in triumph.
| |
| | Num 24:19 | A ruler will rise in Jacob who will destroy the survivors of Ir."
| |
| | Num 24:20 | Then Balaam looked over at the people of Amalek and delivered this prophecy: "Amalek was the greatest of nations, but its destiny is destruction!"
| |
| | Num 24:21 | Then he looked over at the Kenites and prophesied: "You are strongly situated; your nest is set in the rocks.
| |
| | Num 24:22 | But the Kenites will be destroyed when Assyria takes you captive."
| |
| | Num 24:23 | Balaam concluded his prophecies by saying: "Alas, who can survive when God does this?
| |
| | Num 24:24 | Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will oppress both Assyria and Eber, but they, too, will be utterly destroyed."
| |
| | Num 24:25 | Then Balaam and Balak returned to their homes.
| |
