Numbers 22:1–7

Balak and Balaam

22 The ⌊Israelites⌋a set out, and they encamped on the desert-plateau of Moab, across from Jericho beyond the Jordan. 2 Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel did to the Amorites,b 3 and Moab was very terrified in the presence of the people because ⌊they⌋c were numerous; and Moab dreaded the presence of the ⌊Israelites⌋.d 4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now the crowd will lick up all around us, like a bull devours the grass of the field.” And Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. 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.