Numbers 24 :: English Standard Version (ESV)

Balaam’s Third Oracle

Num 24:1When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness.

Num 24:2

Num 24:2And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him,

Num 24:3

Num 24:3and he took up his discourse and said,
“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,[fn]

Num 24:4

Num 24:4the oracle of him who hears the words of God,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling down with his eyes uncovered:

Num 24:5

Num 24:5How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,
your encampments, O Israel!

Num 24:6

Num 24:6Like palm groves[fn] that stretch afar,
like gardens beside a river,
like aloes that the LORD has planted,
like cedar trees beside the waters.

Num 24:7

Num 24:7Water shall flow from his buckets,
and his seed shall be in many waters;
his king shall be higher than Agag,
and his kingdom shall be exalted.

Num 24:8

Num 24:8God brings him out of Egypt
and is for him like the horns of the wild ox;
he shall eat up the nations, his adversaries,
and shall break their bones in pieces
and pierce them through with his arrows.

Num 24:9

Num 24:9He crouched, he lay down like a lion
and like a lioness; who will rouse him up?
Blessed are those who bless you,
and cursed are those who curse you.”

Num 24:10

Num 24:10And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times.

Num 24:11

Num 24:11Therefore now flee to your own place. I said, ‘I will certainly honor you,’ but the LORD has held you back from honor.”

Num 24:12

Num 24:12And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me,

Num 24:13

Num 24:13‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the LORD, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the LORD speaks, that will I speak’?

Num 24:14

Num 24:14And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”

Balaam’s Final Oracle

Num 24:15

Num 24:15And he took up his discourse and said,
“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,

Num 24:16

Num 24:16the oracle of him who hears the words of God,
and knows the knowledge of the Most High,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling down with his eyes uncovered:

Num 24:17

Num 24:17I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;
it shall crush the forehead[fn] of Moab
and break down all the sons of Sheth.

Num 24:18

Num 24:18Edom shall be dispossessed;
Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed.
Israel is doing valiantly.

Num 24:19

Num 24:19And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion
and destroy the survivors of cities!”

Num 24:20

Num 24:20Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said,
“Amalek was the first among the nations,
but its end is utter destruction.”

Num 24:21

Num 24:21And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said,
“Enduring is your dwelling place,
and your nest is set in the rock.

Num 24:22

Num 24:22Nevertheless, Kain shall be burned
when Asshur takes you away captive.”

Num 24:23

Num 24:23And he took up his discourse and said,
“Alas, who shall live when God does this?

Num 24:24

Num 24:24But ships shall come from Kittim
and shall afflict Asshur and Eber;
and he too shall come to utter destruction.”

Num 24:25

Num 24:25Then Balaam rose and went back to his place. And Balak also went his way.

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ESV Footnotes

(24:3)

Or closed, or perfect; also verse 15

(24:6)

Or valleys

(24:17)

Hebrew corners [of the head]

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