5 He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the river,e in the land of the children of his people, to summon him, saying, “Look! A people went out from Egypt. Look! They cover ⌊the surface of the land⌋;f they are about to dwell opposite me. 6 Now, please go, curse this people for me because theyg are stronger than me; perhaps I will be able to strike themh and drive themi out from the land because I know whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you cursed is cursed.”

7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian went with a fee for divination in their hand; they came to Balaam and spoke the words of Balak to him. 8 He said to them, “Spend the night here, and I will return, and I will return word to you, just as Yahweh speaks to me.” So 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 son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent word to me, 11 ‘Look! A people went out from Egypt. Look! They cover ⌊the surface of the land⌋.j Now, go, curse themk for me. Perhaps I will be able to attack theml and drive themm out.”