²⁰ That night God came to Balaam^(A) and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.”^(B)

³⁵ The angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s officials.

³⁸ “Well, I have come to you now,” Balaam replied. “But I can’t say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.”^(A)

¹⁶ The Lord met with Balaam and put a word in his mouth^(A) and said, “Go back to Balak and give him this word.”

¹⁸ I will raise up for them a prophet^(A) like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words^(B) in his mouth.^(C) He will tell them everything I command him.^(D)

⁹ Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched^(A) my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.^(B)