Who was the pagan prophet who was sent to curse Israel but ended up blessing them instead?

The correct answer is Balaam. Balaam is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Numbers (chapters 22-24). He was a non-Israelite prophet from Mesopotamia who was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites as they were encamped near Moab on their journey to the Promised Land. Despite being offered riches and rewards for his services, Balaam was unable to curse the Israelites because God intervened. Instead, he ended up blessing them multiple times, emphasizing God's favor upon Israel and revealing God's plans for them. This event highlights themes of divine sovereignty and the futility of opposing God’s purposes.

The other figures mentioned do not fit this narrative. Job is known for his suffering and conversations about faith and righteousness, but he did not serve as a prophet sent to curse Israel. Nebuchadnezzar was a Babylonian king known for his conquest of Jerusalem and interactions with Daniel, but he too does not align with the role of a prophet who was intended to curse Israel. Saul, the first king of Israel, struggled with his loyalty to God and did not function as a prophetic figure in this context.