24 By now Balaam realized that the LORD was determined to bless Israel, so he did not resort to divination as before. Instead, he turned and looked out toward the wilderness, 2 where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him, 3 and this is the message he delivered: the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, 4 the message of one who hears the words of God, who bows down with eyes wide open: 5 How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob; how lovely are your homes, O Israel! 6 They spread before me like palm groves, like cedars beside the waters. 7 Water will flow from their buckets; their kingdom will be exalted. 8 God brought them out of Egypt; shooting them with arrows. 9 Like a lion, Israel crouches and lies down; and cursed is everyone who curses you.” 10 King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, “I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times. 11 Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the LORD has kept you from your reward.” 12 Balaam told Balak, “Don’t you remember what I told your messengers? I said, 13 ‘Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD.’ I told you that I could say only what the LORD says! 14 Now I am returning to my own people. But first let me tell you what the Israelites will do to your people in the future.” 15 This is the message Balaam delivered: the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, 16 the message of one who hears the words of God, who bows down with eyes wide open: 17 I see him, but not here and now. cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth. 18 Edom will be taken over, while Israel marches on in triumph. 19 A ruler will rise in Jacob who will destroy the survivors of Ir.” 20 Then Balaam looked over toward the people of Amalek and delivered this message: but its destiny is destruction!” 21 Then he looked over toward the Kenites and delivered this message: your nest is set in the rocks. 22 But the Kenites will be destroyed when Assyria takes you captive.” 23 Balaam concluded his messages by saying: unless God has willed it? 24 Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; but they, too, will be utterly destroyed.” 25 Then Balaam left and returned home, and Balak also went on his way.