Numbers 22:4-7 ▼

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.