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,
13. ‘Even if Balak gives me his most beautiful house filled with silver and gold, I can still say only what the Lord commands me to say. I cannot do anything myself, good or bad. I must say what the Lord commands.’
14. Now I am going back to my own people. But I will give you this warning. I will tell you what these Israelites will do to you and your people in the future.”
15. Then Balaam gave this message: “This message is from Balaam son of Beor. I am speaking about things I see clearly.
16. I heard this message from God. I learned what God Most High taught me. I saw what God All-Powerful showed me. I humbly tell what I clearly see.
17. “I see him coming, but not now. I see him coming, but not soon. A star will come from the family of Jacob. A new ruler will come from the Israelites. He will smash the heads of the Moabites and crush the heads of all the sons of Sheth.
18. Israel will grow strong! He will get the land of Edom. He will get the land of Seir, his enemy.