1. When Balaam realized that it was pleasing in the eyes of Adonai to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorceries as at the other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness.
2. Lifting up his eyes, Balaam saw Israel dwelling by tribes. The Ruach Elohim came over him.
3. He uttered his oracle and said: “This is the oracle of Balaam son of Beor, and the oracle of a strong man whose eye has been opened,
4. the oracle of one hearing God’s speech, one seeing Shaddai’s vision, one fallen down, yet with open eyes:
5. How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, and your dwellings, O Israel!
6. Like valleys they are spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by Adonai, like cedars beside the waters.
7. Water will flow from his buckets, his seed by abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag , his kingdom will be exalted.
8. God is bringing him out of Egypt. like the strong horns of a wild ox. He devours nations hostile to him. He will crush their bones. His arrows will pierce them.
9. He crouches like a lion or a lioness— who would rouse him? He who blesses you will be blessed, and he who curses you will be cursed.”
10. Then Balak became furious at Balaam, and struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but look, you have blessed them these three times!
11. Now, go home! I said I would reward you, but see, Adonai has kept you from reward!”