[22:41] The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal, from where Balaam could see a part of the people of Israel.
[23:1] He said to Balak, “Build seven altars here for me, and bring me seven bulls and seven rams.”
[23:2] Balak did as he was told, and he and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
[23:3] Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering, while I go to see whether or not the Lord will meet me. I will tell you whatever he reveals to me.” So he went alone to the top of a hill,
[23:4] and God met him. Balaam said to him, “I have built the seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each.”
[23:5] The Lord told Balaam what to say and sent him back to Balak to give him his message.
[23:6] So he went back and found Balak still standing by his burnt offering with all the leaders of Moab.
[23:7] Balaam uttered this prophecy: “Balak king of Moab has brought me From Syria, from the eastern mountains. ‘Come speak for me,’ he said. ‘Put a curse on the people of Israel.’
[23:8] How can I curse what God has not cursed, Or speak of doom when the Lord has not?
[23:9] From the high rocks I can see them; I can watch them from the hills. They are a nation that lives alone; They know they are blessed more than other nations.
[23:10] The descendants of Israel are like the dust— There are too many of them to be counted. Let me end my days like one of God's people; Let me die in peace like the righteous.”
[23:11] Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, but all you have done is bless them.”
[23:12] He answered, “I can say only what the Lord tells me to say.”