Numbers 22:1-13 ▼

1 The children of Israel traveled, and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.

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

3 Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

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

5 He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the people of Ammon, to call him, saying, |Look, there is a people who came out from Egypt. Look, they cover the surface of the earth, and they are staying opposite me.

6 And now please come, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.|

7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.

8 And he said to them, |Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak to me.| 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 the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,

11 'Look, this people has come out of Egypt and they cover the surface of the earth. Come now, curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.'|

12 And God said to Balaam, |You are not to go with them, and you are not to 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 lord; for God refuses to permit me to go with you.|