1
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By now Balaam realized that the LORD was determined to bless Israel, so he did not resort to divination as before. Instead, he turned and looked out toward the wilderness, |
2
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where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him, |
3
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and this is the message he delivered: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, |
4
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the message of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: |
5
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How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob; how lovely are your homes, O Israel! |
6
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They spread before me like palm groves, like gardens by the riverside. They are like tall trees planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters. |
7
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Water will flow from their buckets; their offspring have all they need. Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted. |
8
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God brought them out of Egypt; for them he is as strong as a wild ox. He devours all the nations that oppose him, breaking their bones in pieces, shooting them with arrows. |
9
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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." |
10
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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. |
11
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Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the LORD has kept you from your reward." |
12
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Balaam told Balak, "Don't you remember what I told your messengers? I said, |
13
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'Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD.' I told you that I could say only what the LORD says! |
14
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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." |
15
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This is the message Balaam delivered: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, |
16
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the message of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: |
17
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I see him, but not here and now. 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. |
18
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Edom will be taken over, and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered, while Israel marches on in triumph. |
19
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A ruler will rise in Jacob who will destroy the survivors of Ir." |
20
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Then Balaam looked over toward the people of Amalek and delivered this message: "Amalek was the greatest of nations, but its destiny is destruction!" |
21
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Then he looked over toward the Kenites and delivered this message: "Your home is secure; your nest is set in the rocks. |
22
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But the Kenites will be destroyed when Assyria takes you captive." |
23
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Balaam concluded his messages by saying: "Alas, who can survive unless God has willed it? |
24
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Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will oppress Assyria and afflict Eber, but they, too, will be utterly destroyed." |
25
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Then Balaam and Balak returned to their homes. |
Numbers 24:25 English Language Bible Words basic statistical display
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