1. And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as the first and second times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness;
2. and lifting up his eyes, he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.
3. Then he took up his parable and said, Balaam, the son of Beor, has said and the man whose eyes are open has said,
4. he who has heard the words of God has said, who saw the vision of the Almighty, fallen, but having his eyes open:
5. How beautiful are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy habitations, O Israel!
6. As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord has planted, and as cedars beside the waters.
7. From his branches he shall distil waters, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
8. God brought him forth out of Egypt; he has, as it were, the strength of a unicorn; he shall eat up the Gentiles his enemies and shall break their bones and pierce them through with his arrows.
9. He couched, he lay down as a lion and as a great lion; who shall awaken him? Blessed is he that blesses thee, and cursed is he that curses thee.
10. Then Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and smiting his hands together he said, I called thee to curse my enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
11. Therefore, now flee thou to thy place; I said that I would honour thee; but, behold, the Lord has deprived thee of honour.