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.
14. Now I am going back to my people, but first, let me warn you what these people will do to your people in the future.”
15. Then he proclaimed his poem:The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened;
16. the oracle of one who hears the sayings of Godand has knowledge from the Most High,who sees a vision from the Almighty,who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered:
17. I see him, but not now;I perceive him, but not near.A star will come from Jacob,and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moaband strike down all the Shethites.
18. Edom will become a possession;Seir will become a possession of its enemies,but Israel will be triumphant.
19. One who comes from Jacob will rule; he will destroy the city’s survivors.
20. Then Balaam saw Amalek and proclaimed his poem:Amalek was first among the nations, but his future is destruction.
21. Next he saw the Kenites and proclaimed his poem:Your dwelling place is enduring;your nest is set in the cliffs.
22. Kain will be destroyedwhen Asshur takes you captive.
23. Once more he proclaimed his poem:Ah, who can live when God does this?
24. Ships will come from the coast of Kittim; they will afflict Asshur and Eber, but they too will come to destruction.
25. Balaam then arose and went back to his homeland, and Balak also went his way.