Meanwhile, it was obvious to Balaam that the Eternal One was quite happy to bless Israel, so he didn’t go through the trouble of looking for omens of God’s intent. Instead, Balaam contemplated the wilderness stretched out before him.2 Seeing the Israelites camping there, in their orderly arrangement by tribes, he was suddenly overcome by God’s Spirit.3 He recited God’s words. Balaam: This is an oracle of Balaam (Beor’s son), Balak and his men have been engaged in preparing the altars and making the sacrifices; he doesn’t like the sound of this at all. 10 He was absolutely furious with Balaam, smacking his hands together with anger. Balak (confronting Balaam): I can’t believe this! I brought you all this way and asked you to curse my enemies, but instead you actually blessed them. And you did that not just once, mind you, or twice, but three times. 11 Now get out of here! Get out of my sight—go back to that miserable place you call home. Yeah, sure, I said I’d greatly honor you, but the Eternal has withheld the honor that I had planned for you. Balaam (to Balak): 12 Remember the first time that you sent messengers to get me? Even then I told them 13 I don’t care how much silver and gold you have or what all you’d give to me; I cannot alter what God would have me say. Whatever the Eternal One puts into my mouth is what will come out, whether good or evil words. 14 So, yes, I’m heading home. But before I go, I will tell you what those people will do to your nation when your time is up. 15 He recited God’s words. Balaam: This is an oracle of Balaam (Beor’s son), 17 I see him, but at a later time, I’ll recognize him, even though he is far away. 20 Then Balaam turned toward the land of the Amalekites and spoke his prophecy. Balaam: Amalek was first among the nations, 21 Then Balaam turned toward the land of the Kenites and spoke his prophecy. Balaam: Your dwelling is lasting, 23 Balaam took up his answers: Balaam: I ask, “Woe, for who will remain alive when God does this?[e] 25 Then Balaam went his way to his country, and Balak went his way toward his country. |
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