1
And the children of Israel set forward , and pitched in the plains of Moab on this sideJordan by Jericho.
2
And Balak the son of Zipporsaw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3
And Moab was soreafraidof the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
4
And Moabsaid unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
5
He sentmessengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of 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 face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
6
Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail , that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed , and he whom thou cursest is cursed .
7
And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midiandeparted with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.
8
And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you wordagain , as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moababode with Balaam.
9
And Godcame unto Balaam, and said , What men are these with thee?
10
And Balaamsaid unto God,Balak the son of Zippor,king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,