1When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel, he did not go, as at the other times, to use sorcery. Instead, he looked toward the wilderness.

2He raised his eyes and saw that Israel was camped, each in their own tribe, and the Spirit of God came on him.

3He received this prophecy and said, “Balaam son of Beor is about to speak, the man whose eyes are wide open.

4He speaks and hears God's words. He sees a vision from the Almighty, Before whom he bows down with his eyes open.

5How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, the place where you live, Israel!

6Like valleys they spread out, like gardens by the riverside,
like aloes planted by Yahweh,
like cedars beside the waters.

7Water flows from their buckets, and their seed is well-watered. Their king is to be higher than Agag, and their kingdom will be honored.

8God brings him out of Egypt,
with strength like a wild ox. He will eat up the nations who fight against him.
He will break their bones to pieces.
He will shoot them with his arrows.

9He crouches down like a lion, like a lioness. Who dares disturb him? May everyone who blesses him be blessed; may everyone who curses him be cursed.”

10Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam and he struck his hands together in anger. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but look, you have blessed them three times.

11So leave me right now and go home. I said I would greatly reward you, but Yahweh has kept you from getting any reward.”

12Then Balaam replied to Balak, “I said to the messengers that you sent to me,

13'Even if Balak gave me his palace full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond Yahweh's word and anything bad or good, or anything at all that I might want to do. I can say only what Yahweh tells me to say.' Did I not say this to them?

14So now, look, I will go back to my people. But first let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days ahead.”

15Balaam began this prophecy. He said, “Balaam son of Beor speaks, The man whose eyes are wide open.

16This is a prophecy of someone who hears words from God, who has knowledge from the Most High,
who has visions from the Almighty, Before whom he bows down with open eyes.

17I see him, but he is not here now.
I look at him, but he is not near.
A star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will shatter Moab's leaders and destroy all the descendants of Seth.

18Then Edom will become a possession of Israel,
and Seir will also become their possession, enemies of Israel,
whom Israel will conquer with force.

19Out of Jacob a king will come who will have dominion, and he will destroy the survivors of their city.”

20Then Balaam looked at Amalek and began his prophecy. He said, “Amalek was once the greatest of nations, but his final end will be destruction.”

21Then Balaam looked toward the Kenites and began his prophecy. He said, “The place where you live is strong, and your nest is in the rocks.

22Nevertheless you Kenites will be consumed by fire when Assyria carries you away captive.”

23Then Balaam began his final prophecy. He said, “Woe! Who will survive when God does this?

24Ships will come from the coast of Kittim; they will attack Assyria and will conquer Eber,
but they, too, will end in destruction.”

25Then Balaam got up and left. He returned to his home, and Balak also went away.