2
Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3
Moab was sore 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 will this multitude lick up all that is round about 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 children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they abide over against me.
6
Please come now therefore curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure 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 rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.
8
He said to them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as Yahweh shall speak to me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
9
God came to Balaam, and said, What men are these with you?
10
Balaam said to God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, [saying],
11
Behold, the people that is come out of Egypt, it covers the surface of the earth: now, come curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.
12
God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.
13
Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, Get you into your land; for Yahweh refuses to give me leave to go with you.
14
The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, Balaam refuses to come with us.
15
Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.
16
They came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus says Balak the son of Zippor, Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me:
17
for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.
18
Balaam answered the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can`t go beyond the word of Yahweh my God, to do less or more.
19
Now therefore, please wait also here this night, that I may know what Yahweh will speak to me more.
20
God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men are come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that shall you do.
21
Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.