Numbers 24:4-16

4the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty,1 who bows down with eyes wide open:5How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!6They spread out like palm groves,2 like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.7Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.8God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.9He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”

10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. 11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”

12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me 13that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says. 14Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”

15Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying,