14. So Balak took Balaam to the field of Zophim. This was on top of Mount Pisgah. There Balak built seven altars. And he offered a bull and a male sheep on each altar.
15. So Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here by your burnt offering. I will meet with God over there.”
16. So the Lord came to Balaam. He told Balaam what to say. Then he said, “Go back to Balak and say such and such.”
17. So Balaam went to Balak. Balak and the leaders of Moab were standing beside his burnt offering. Balak asked him, “What did the Lord say?”
18. Then Balaam gave this message:“Stand up, Balak, and listen.Hear me, son of Zippor.
19. God is not a man. He will not lie.God is not a human being. He does not change his mind.What he says he will do, he does.What he promises, he keeps.
20. He told me to bless them.So I cannot change the blessing.
21. He has found no wrong in the people of Jacob.He saw no fault in Israel.The Lord their God is with them.They praise their King.
22. God brought them out of Egypt.They are as strong as a wild ox.
23. No tricks will work on the people of Jacob.No magic works against Israel.People now say this about them,‘Look what God has done!’
24. The people are strong like a lioness.They get up like a lion.Lions don’t rest until they have eaten.They drink their enemies’ blood.”
25. Then Balak said to Balaam, “You haven’t cursed these people. So at least don’t bless them!”
26. Balaam answered Balak, “I told you before. I can only do what the Lord tells me.”
27. Then Balak said to Balaam, “Come, I will take you to another place. Maybe God will be pleased. He may let you curse them from there.”
28. So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor. This mountain looks over the desert.