1 When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel, he didn’t go, as at the
other times, to use divination, but he set
his face toward the wilderness.

2 Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw
Israel dwelling according to their tribes;
and the Spirit of God came on him.

3 He took up his parable, and said,
“Balaam the son of Beor says,
the man whose eyes are open says;

4 he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling down, and having his eyes
open:

5 How goodly are your tents, Jacob,
and your dwellings, Israel!

6 As valleys they are spread out,
as gardens by the riverside,
as aloes which Yahweh has planted,
as cedar trees beside the waters.

7 Water shall flow from his buckets.
His seed shall be in many waters.
His king shall be higher than Agag.
His kingdom shall be exalted.

8 God brings him out of Egypt.
He has as it were the strength of the
wild ox.
He shall consume the nations his adversaries,
shall break their bones in pieces,
and pierce them with his arrows.

9 He couched, he lay down as a lion,
as a lioness;
who shall rouse him up?
Everyone who blesses you is blessed.
Everyone who curses you is cursed.”

10 Balak’s anger burned against Balaam,
and he struck his hands together. Balak
said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my
enemies, and, behold, you have altogether
blessed them these three times.

11 Therefore, flee to your place, now! I
thought to promote you to great honor;
but, behold, Yahweh has kept you back
from honor.”

12 Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell
your messengers whom you sent to me,
saying,