Numbers

Tells about the Israelites' 40 years in the desert, including their travels and the census of their tribes.

Chapter 24

1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

*When Balaam noticed that God wanted to bless Israel, instead of looking for magic like before, he turned his gaze toward the desert.

2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

*Balaam looked around and saw the Israelites living in their tents, organized by family groups. Then, God's spirit filled him.

3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

*He continued his story and said, "Balaam, son of Beor, said it, and the person with open eyes also said it:"

4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

*He said, who heard God's words and saw the Almighty's vision, going into a deep sleep with open eyes.

5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!

*How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, and your homes, Israel!

6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.

*The valleys stretch out like gardens near a river. They are like special trees the LORD has planted, called lign aloes, and also like cedar trees by the water.

7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

*He will empty his buckets of water, his descendants will spread far and wide, his king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be honored.

8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

*God took him from Egypt; he is strong like a unicorn. He will defeat his enemies, break their bones, and hit them with his arrows.

9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

*He rested like a powerful lion, no one can wake him. Bless those who bless you; curse those who insult you.

10 And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

*Balak got very angry at Balaam because he kept blessing Balak's enemies instead of cursing them as asked. He even clapped his hands in frustration.

11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.

*So now run to your spot. I planned to give you great honor, but look, the Lord stopped it from happening.

12 And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,

*And Balaam told Balak, "Did I not also speak to your representatives you sent me, saying,"

13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

*If Balak gives me his home filled with money, I can't go beyond what the LORD tells me. I won't do good or bad as I think; instead, I'll say only what the LORD wants.

14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.

*Now, look, I'm going to my people. So, come with me, and I'll tell you what this people will do to your people in the future.

15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

*He continued his story and said, "Balaam, son of Beor, said it, and the person with open eyes also said it:"

16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

*He said, who heard God's words and understood the knowledge of the highest being, who saw the vision of the all-powerful God, entering a deep sleep but still keeping their eyes open.

17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

*I will meet him later, not soon; closely see him even later; a star from Jacob will appear, and a ruler will emerge from Israel, attacking the edges of Moab, and destroying all the children of Sheth.

18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

*Edom will belong to others, as will Seir. Both will be taken by their enemies, while Israel will be brave.

19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

*From Jacob will arise someone who rules over others and destroys those left in the city.

20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.

*When he saw Amalek, he began to speak a comparison. He said, "Amalek was the earliest nation, but in the future, he will cease to exist forever."

21 And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.

*He looked at the Kenites and spoke this way, "Your home is strong and you build your nest in a rock."

22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.

*However, the people of Kenite will be destroyed until Assyria takes you away as a prisoner.

23 And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

*He told a story and said, Oh, who can survive when God does this!

24 And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

*Ships will arrive from the land of Chittim, causing harm to Assyria and also to Eber, with both ultimately disappearing forever.

25 And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.

*Balaam got up and left, then came back to his home. Balak did the same and went on his journey.

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