Numbers 22:1-12 ▼

1 And the sons of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab across the Jordan from Jericho.

2 And Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorite,

3 and Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people, because they were numerous. And Moab was sick with dread because of the sons of Israel.

4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the green of the field.” And Balak son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.

5 And he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people has come from Egypt. Behold, he has covered the eye of the land, and he is dwelling next to me.”

6 And now, come please, curse for me this people, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I will be able to strike them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whom you bless is blessed, and whom you curse is cursed.”

7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hands. And they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.

8 And he said to them, “Lodge here the night, and I will bring back to you? word as YHWH speaks to me.” And the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

9 And God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?”

10 And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me:

11 ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and have covered the eye of the land. Now come, curse them for me. Perhaps I will be able to overpower them and drive them out.’”

12 And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for it is blessed.”