Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”
Balaam says he is returning to his own people, but first he will warn Balak about what Israel will do to his people in the days ahead. Departure becomes prophecy.
It transitions from dismissal to a final forward-looking oracle.
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. 11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.” 12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me 13that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says. 14Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”