1. And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
2. And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in its tents according to its tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
3. And he took up his oracle, and said, Balaam the son of Beor has said, and the man whose eyes are open has said:
4. He has said, who heard the words of God, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
5. How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, and your tabernacles, O Israel!
6. As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as aloes which the LORD has planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
7. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, 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 wild ox: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
9. He crouched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesses you, and cursed is he that curses you.
10. And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times.
11. Therefore now flee to your place: I thought to promote you unto great honor; but, lo, the LORD has kept you back from honor.
12. And Balaam said unto Balak, Spoke I not also to your messengers whom you sent unto me, saying,
13. If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of my own mind; but what the LORD says, that will I speak?
14. And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advise you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days.
15. And he took up his oracle, and said, Balaam the son of Beor has said, and the man whose eyes are open has said:
16. He has said, who heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: