1
Since Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go to seek omens as on previous occasions, but turned toward the wilderness.
2
When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God descended on him,
3
and he proclaimed his poem: The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened,
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the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls [into a trance] with [his] eyes uncovered:
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How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwellings, Israel.
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they stretch out like river valleys, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the Lord has planted, like cedars beside the water.
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Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will be by abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.
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God brought him out of Egypt; He is like the horns of a wild ox for them. He will feed on enemy nations and gnaw their bones; he will strike [them] with his arrows.
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He crouches, he lies down like a lion or a lioness-who dares to rouse him? Those who bless you will be blessed, and those who curse you will be cursed.
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Then Balak became furious with Balaam, struck his hands together, and said to him, "I summoned you to put a curse on my enemies, but instead, you have blessed [them these three times].
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Now go to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but look, the Lord has denied you a reward."
12
Balaam answered Balak, "Didn't I previously tell the messengers you sent me:
13
If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the Lord's command, to do [anything] good or bad of my own will? I will say whatever the Lord says.