8. "God brought them out of Egypt. They are as strong as a wild ox. They eat up nations that are at war with them. They break their bones in pieces. They wound them with their arrows.
9. Like a male lion they lie down and sleep. They are like a female lion. Who dares to wake them up? May those who bless you be blessed! May those who call down a curse on you be cursed!"
10. Then Balak's anger burned against Balaam. He slapped his hands together. He said to Balaam, "I sent for you to put a curse on my enemies. But you have given them a blessing three times.
11. Get out of here right away! Go home! I said I'd make you very rich. But the Lord has kept you from getting rich."
12. Balaam answered Balak, "Here is what I told the messengers you sent me.
13. I said, 'Balak could give me his palace filled with silver and gold. Even if I wanted to, I still couldn't do anything at all that goes beyond what the Lord commands. I have to say only what the Lord tells me to say.'
14. "Now I'm going back to my people. But come. Let me warn you about what these people will do to your people in days to come."
15. Then Balaam spoke the message he had received from God. He said, "Here is the message God gave Balaam, the son of Beor. It's the message God gave to the one who sees clearly.
16. It's the message God gave to the one who hears the words of God. The Most High God has given him knowledge. He sees a vision from the Mighty One. He falls down flat with his face toward the ground. His eyes have been opened by the Lord.
17. "I see him, but I don't see him now. I view him, but he isn't near. A star will come from among the people of Jacob. A king will rise up out of Israel. He'll crush the foreheads of the people of Moab. He'll crush the skulls of all of the sons of Sheth.
18. He'll win the battle over Edom. He'll win the battle over his enemy Seir. But Israel will grow strong.
19. A ruler will come from among the people of Jacob. He'll destroy those from the city who are still alive."