Study Desk

During the night, God asked Balaam, "Who are these people at your house?"

But God replied, "Don't go with Balak's messengers. I have blessed those people who have come from Egypt, so don't curse them."

Balaam answered, "Even if Balak offered me a palace full of silver or gold, I wouldn't do anything to disobey the Lord my God.

That night, God said, "Balaam, I'll let you go to Moab with Balak's messengers, but do only what I say."

Balaam was riding his donkey to Moab, and two of his servants were with him. But God was angry that Balaam had gone, so one of the Lord 's angels stood in the road to stop him.

"I'm here now," Balaam answered. "But I will say only what God tells me to say."

When God appeared to him, Balaam said, "I have built seven altars and have sacrificed a bull and a ram on each one."

But I can't go against God! He did not curse or condemn Israel.

"From the mountain peaks, I look down and see Israel, the obedient people of God.

They are living alone in peace. And though they are many, they don't bother the other nations. "I hope to obey God for as long as I live and to die in such peace."

God is no mere human! He doesn't tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.

"My command from God was to bless these people, and there's nothing I can do to change what he has done.

Israel's king is the Lord God. He lives there with them and intends them no harm.

With the strength of a wild ox, God led Israel out of Egypt.

No magic charms can work against them— just look what God has done for his people.

Balak said to Balaam, "Come on, let's try another place. Maybe God will let you curse Israel from there."

It comes from the Lord , the God All-Powerful. I bowed down to him and saw a vision of Israel.

With the strength of a wild ox, God led you out of Egypt. You will defeat your enemies, shooting them with arrows and crushing their bones.

My knowledge comes from God Most High, the Lord All-Powerful. I bowed down to him and saw a vision of Israel.

"No one can survive if God plans destruction.