1 By now Balaam knew that the Lord wanted him to bless the people of Israel, so he did not go to look for omens, as he had done before. He turned toward the desert
2 and saw the people of Israel camped tribe by tribe. The spirit of God took control of him,
3 and he uttered this prophecy:“The message of Balaam son of Beor,The words of the man who can see clearly,
4 Who can hear what God is saying.With staring eyes I see in a tranceA vision from Almighty God.
5 The tents of Israel are beautiful,
6 Like long rows of palmsOr gardens beside a river,Like aloes planted by the LordOr cedars beside the water.