1. Balaam saw that the Lord wanted to bless Israel, so he did not try to change that by using any kind of magic. But Balaam turned and looked toward the desert.
2. He looked out across the desert and saw all the Israelites. They were camped with the tribes in their different areas. Then the Spirit of God came on him,
3. and he gave this message: “This message is from Balaam son of Beor. I am speaking about things I see clearly.
4. These are the words I heard from God. I saw what God All-Powerful showed me. I humbly tell what I clearly see.
5. “People of Jacob, your tents are beautiful! Israelites, your homes are beautiful!
6. You are like rows of palm trees planted by the streams. You are like gardens growing by the rivers. You are like sweet-smelling bushes planted by the Lord. You are like cedar trees growing by the water.
7. You will always have enough water, enough water for your seeds to grow. Your king will be greater than King Agag. Your kingdom will be very great.
8. “God brought them out of Egypt. They are as strong as a wild ox. They will defeat all their enemies. They will break their bones and shatter their arrows.
9. Israel is like a lion, curled up and lying down. Yes, they are like a young lion, and no one wants to wake him! Anyone who blesses you will be blessed. And anyone who curses you will have great troubles.”
10. When Balak heard this, he angrily struck his fist against his hand and said to Balaam, “I called you to come and curse my enemies. But you have blessed them. You have blessed them three times.
11. Now leave and go home! I told you that I would give you a very good payment, but the Lord has caused you to lose your reward.”
12. Balaam said to Balak, “You sent men to ask me to come. Don’t you remember what I told them? I said,