92 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown
92 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown
# Chapter 24
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1. Since Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go to seek omens as on previous occasions, but turned toward the wilderness.
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2. When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him,
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3. and he proclaimed his poem:
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The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
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the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened,
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4. the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God,
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who sees a vision from the Almighty,
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who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered:
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5. How beautiful are your tents, Jacob,
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your dwellings, Israel.
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6. They stretch out like river valleys,
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like gardens beside a stream,
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like aloes the Lord has planted,
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like cedars beside the water.
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7. Water will flow from his buckets,
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and his seed will be by abundant water.
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His king will be greater than Agag,
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and his kingdom will be exalted.
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8. God brought him out of Egypt;
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he is like the horns of a wild ox for them.
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He will feed on enemy nations
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and gnaw their bones;
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he will strike them with his arrows.
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9. He crouches, he lies down like a lion
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or a lioness--who dares to rouse him?
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Those who bless you will be blessed,
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and those who curse you will be cursed.
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10. Then Balak became furious with Balaam, struck his hands together, and said to him, "I summoned you to put a curse on my enemies, but instead, you have blessed them these three times.
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11. Now go to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but look, the Lord has denied you a reward."
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12. Balaam answered Balak, "Didn't I previously tell the messengers you sent me:
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13. If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the Lord's command, to do anything good or bad of my own will? I will say whatever the Lord says.
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14. Now I am going back to my people, but first, let me warn you what these people will do to your people in the future."
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Balaam's Fourth Oracle
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15. Then he proclaimed his poem:
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The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
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the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened;
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16. the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God
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and has knowledge from the Most High,
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who sees a vision from the Almighty,
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who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered:
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17. I see him, but not now;
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I perceive him, but not near.
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A star will come from Jacob,
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and a scepter will arise from Israel.
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He will smash the forehead of Moab
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and strike down all the Shethites.
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18. Edom will become a possession;
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Seir will become a possession of its enemies,
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but Israel will be triumphant.
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19. One who comes from Jacob will rule;
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he will destroy the city's survivors.
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20. Then Balaam saw Amalek and proclaimed his poem:
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Amalek was first among the nations,
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but his future is destruction.
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21. Next he saw the Kenites and proclaimed his poem:
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Your dwelling place is enduring;
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your nest is set in the cliffs.
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22. Kain will be destroyed
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when Asshur takes you captive.
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23. Once more he proclaimed his poem:
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Ah, who can live when God does this?
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24. Ships will come from the coast of Kittim;
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they will carry out raids against Asshur and Eber,
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but they too will come to destruction.
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25. Balaam then arose and went back to his homeland, and Balak also went his way.
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