136 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
136 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
# Chapter 24
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1. 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,
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2. where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him,
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3. and this is the message he delivered:
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"This is the message of Balaam son of Beor,
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the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,
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4. the message of one who hears the words of God,
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who sees a vision from the Almighty,
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who bows down with eyes wide open:
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5. How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob;
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how lovely are your homes, O Israel!
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6. They spread before me like palm groves,
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like gardens by the riverside.
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They are like tall trees planted by the LORD,
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like cedars beside the waters.
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7. Water will flow from their buckets;
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their offspring have all they need.
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Their king will be greater than Agag;
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their kingdom will be exalted.
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8. God brought them out of Egypt;
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for them he is as strong as a wild ox.
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He devours all the nations that oppose him,
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breaking their bones in pieces,
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shooting them with arrows.
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9. Like a lion, Israel crouches and lies down;
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like a lioness, who dares to arouse her?
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Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,
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and cursed is everyone who curses you."
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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.
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11. Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the LORD has kept you from your reward."
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12. Balaam told Balak, "Don't you remember what I told your messengers? I said,
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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!
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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."
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Balaam's Final Messages
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15. This is the message Balaam delivered:
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"This is the message of Balaam son of Beor,
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the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,
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16. the message of one who hears the words of God,
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who has knowledge from the Most High,
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who sees a vision from the Almighty,
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who bows down with eyes wide open:
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17. I see him, but not here and now.
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I perceive him, but far in the distant future.
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A star will rise from Jacob;
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a scepter will emerge from Israel.
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It will crush the heads of Moab's people,
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cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth.
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18. Edom will be taken over,
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and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered,
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while Israel marches on in triumph.
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19. A ruler will rise in Jacob
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who will destroy the survivors of Ir."
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20. Then Balaam looked over toward the people of Amalek and delivered this message:
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"Amalek was the greatest of nations,
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but its destiny is destruction!"
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21. Then he looked over toward the Kenites and delivered this message:
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"Your home is secure;
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your nest is set in the rocks.
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22. But the Kenites will be destroyed
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when Assyria takes you captive."
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23. Balaam concluded his messages by saying:
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"Alas, who can survive
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unless God has willed it?
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24. Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus;
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they will oppress Assyria and afflict Eber,
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but they, too, will be utterly destroyed."
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25. Then Balaam left and returned home, and Balak also went on his way.
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