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24:1  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,
24:2  where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him,
24:3  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,
24:4  the message of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
24:5  How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob; how lovely are your homes, O Israel!
24:6  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.
24:7  Water will flow from their buckets; their offspring have all they need. Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted.
24:8  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.
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."
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.
24:11  Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the LORD has kept you from your reward."
24:12  Balaam told Balak, "Don't you remember what I told your messengers? I said,
24:13  '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!
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."
24:15  This is the message Balaam delivered: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,
24:16  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:
24:17  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.
24:18  Edom will be taken over, and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered, while Israel marches on in triumph.
24:19  A ruler will rise in Jacob who will destroy the survivors of Ir."
24:20  Then Balaam looked over toward the people of Amalek and delivered this message: "Amalek was the greatest of nations, but its destiny is destruction!"
24:21  Then he looked over toward the Kenites and delivered this message: "Your home is secure; your nest is set in the rocks.
24:22  But the Kenites will be destroyed when Assyria takes you captive."
24:23  Balaam concluded his messages by saying: "Alas, who can survive unless God has willed it?
24:24  Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will oppress Assyria and afflict Eber, but they, too, will be utterly destroyed."
24:25  Then Balaam and Balak returned to their homes.