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.|
14 The leaders of Moab arose and went to Balak and said, |Balaam refused to come with us.|
15 Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and more distinguished than the former.
16 They came to Balaam and said to him, |Thus says Balak the son of Zippor, 'Let nothing, I beg you, hinder you from coming to me;
17 for I will indeed honor you richly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Please come then, curse this people for me.'|
18 Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, |Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God.
19 |Now please, you also stay here tonight, and I will find out what else the LORD will speak to me.|
20 God came to Balaam at night and said to him, |If the men have come to call you, rise up [and] go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.|
21 So Balaam arose in the morning, and saddled his donkey and went with the leaders of Moab.
