Numbers 22:1-13 ▼

1 Then the sons of Israel journeyed, and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan [opposite] Jericho.

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

3 So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.

4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, |Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.| And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.

5 So he sent messengers to Balaam the 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 came out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me.

6 |Now, therefore, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me; perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.|

7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the [fees for] divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak's words to him.

8 He said to them, |Spend the night here, and I will bring word back to you as the LORD may speak to me.| And the leaders of Moab stayed with Balaam.

9 Then God came to Balaam and said, |Who are these men with you?|

10 Balaam said to God, |Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent [word] to me,

11 Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt and they cover the surface of the land; now come, curse them for me; perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them out.'|

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

13 So Balaam arose in the morning and said to Balak's leaders, |Go back to your land, for the LORD has refused to let me go with you.|