Get the free app for more features and content.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

1When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to use divination, but he set his face towards the wilderness. 2Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him. 3He took up his parable, and said,

“Balaam the son of Beor says,

the man whose eyes are open says;

4he says, who hears the words of God,

who sees the vision of the Almighty,

falling down, and having his eyes open:

5How goodly are your tents, Jacob,

and your dwellings, Israel!

6As valleys they are spread out,

as gardens by the riverside,

as aloes which the LORD has planted,

as cedar trees beside the waters.

7Water shall flow from his buckets.

His seed shall be in many waters.

His king shall be higher than Agag.

His kingdom shall be exalted.

8God brings him out of Egypt.

He has as it were the strength of the wild ox.

He shall consume the nations his adversaries,

shall break their bones in pieces,

and pierce them with his arrows.

9He couched, he lay down as a lion,

as a lioness;

who shall rouse him up?

Everyone who blesses you is blessed.

Everyone who curses you is cursed.”

10Balak’s anger burnt against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times. 11Therefore, flee to your place, now! I thought to promote you to great honour; but, behold, the LORD has kept you back from honour.”

12Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, saying, 13‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the LORD’s word, to do either good or bad from my own mind. I will say what the LORD says’? 14Now, behold, I go to my people. Come, I will inform you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days.”

15He took up his parable, and said,

“Balaam the son of Beor says,

the man whose eyes are open says;

16he says, who hears the words of God,

knows the knowledge of the Most High,

and who sees the vision of the Almighty,

falling down, and having his eyes open:

17I see him, but not now.

I see him, but not near.

A star will come out of Jacob.

A sceptre will rise out of Israel,

and shall strike through the corners of Moab,

and crush all the sons of Sheth.

18Edom shall be a possession.

Seir, his enemy, also shall be a possession,

while Israel does valiantly.

19Out of Jacob shall one have dominion,

and shall destroy the remnant from the city.”

20He looked at Amalek, and took up his parable, and said,

“Amalek was the first of the nations,

But his latter end shall come to destruction.”

21He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said,

“Your dwelling place is strong.

Your nest is set in the rock.

22Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted,

until Asshur carries you away captive.”

23He took up his parable, and said,

“Alas, who shall live when God does this?

24But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim.

They shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber.

He also shall come to destruction.”

25Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place; and Balak also went his way.

PUBLIC DOMAIN
This public domain Bible translation is brought to you courtesy of eBible.org.

Featured Resources

Book of Numbers Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Book of Numbers Summary: A Complete Animated Ov...

Watch our overview video on the book of Numbers, which breaks down the litera...

BibleProject

How were people saved in the Old Testament?

How were people saved in the Old Testament?

Watch more episodes of Honest Answers here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?...

Southern Seminary

Introduction to Numbers

Introduction to Numbers

Dr. Vince Bantu introduces Numbers, reflecting on what it means for God’s peo...

Fuller Studio

What Happened on Israel's Journey to the Promised Land • Torah Series (Episode 6)

What Happened on Israel's Journey to the Promis...

In Numbers, Israel leaves Mt. Sinai only to rebel against God at every step. ...

BibleProject

Kyle Claunch - "Whatever the Lord Says:  The Curious Case of Balaam"

Kyle Claunch - "Whatever the Lord Says: The Cu...

Kyle Claunch, Assistant Professor of Christian Theology, looking at Numbers 2...

Southern Seminary

Old Testament Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Old Testament Summary: A Complete Animated Over...

Watch our overview video on the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible...

BibleProject

Explore Numbers 24