Numbers 22:1–6

¹And the children of Israel journeyed, and encamped in the plains of Moab on the other side of the Jordan from Jericho. ²And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. ³And Moab was much afraid of the people, because they were many; and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. ⁴And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now will this company lick up all that is round about us, as an ox licks up the green herb of the field. Now Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. ⁵And he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is on the river in the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, a people is come out from Egypt; behold, they cover the face of the land, and they abide over against me. ⁶And now come, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are mightier than I: perhaps I may be able to smite them, and drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.