Numbers 22:1-13 ▼

1 AND the children of Israel journeyed, and encamped in the plains of Moab on this side of Jordan by Jericho.

2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

3 And the Moabites were in great fear of the people because they were many; and Moab was distressed at the presence of the children of Israel.

4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now this multitude is licking up all that are around about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.

5 So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, an interpreter of dreams, who dwelt by the river of the land of the children of Ammon, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt; they cover the face of the land, and they are settled over against me.

6 Come now therefore and curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me; perhaps I shall be able to defeat some of them and destroy them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed and he whom you curse is cursed.

7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with gifts for divination in their hands; and they came to Balaam and told him the words of Balak.

8 And he said to them, Lodge here this night and I will give you an answer as the LORD shall speak to me; and the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

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

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

11 Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt who cover the face of the earth; come now, and curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to fight against them and destroy them.

12 And God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; and you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.

13 And Balaam rose up in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, Go to your land; for the LORD refuses to permit me to go with you.