Numbers 22:1-10

¹The people of Israel traveled on until they camped in the plains of Moab near Jericho, on the other side of the Jordan River from the city.

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

³Moab was very afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was in terror of the people of Israel.

⁴The king of Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This multitude will eat up all that is around us as an ox eats up the grass in a field.” Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.

⁵He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor, at Pethor which is by the Euphrates River, in the land of his nation and his people. He called him and said, “Look, a nation has come here from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and they are right now next to me.

⁶So please come now and curse this nation for me, because they are too strong for me. Perhaps then I can manage to attack them and drive them out of the land. I know that whomever you bless will be blessed, and whomever you curse will be cursed.”

⁷So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian left, taking payment for divination. They came to Balaam and spoke to him Balak's words.

⁸Balaam said to them, “Stay here tonight. I will bring you what Yahweh says to me.” So the leaders of Moab stayed with Balaam that night.

⁹God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men who came to you?”

¹⁰Balaam answered God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent them to me. He said,