5
He sent messengers to Bil`am the son of Be'or, to Petor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Mitzrayim: behold, they cover the surface of the eretz, and they abide over against me.
6
Please come now therefore curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.
7
The Zakenim of Mo'av and the Zakenim of Midyan departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Bil`am, and spoke to him the words of Balak.
8
He said to them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak to me: and the princes of Mo'av abode with Bil`am.
9
God came to Bil`am, and said, What men are these with you?
10
Bil`am said to God, Balak the son of Tzippor, king of Mo'av, has sent to me, [saying],
11
Behold, the people that is come out of Mitzrayim, it covers the surface of the eretz: now, come curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.
12
God said to Bil`am, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.
13
Bil`am rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, Get you into your land; for the LORD refuses to give me leave to go with you.
14
The princes of Mo'av rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, Bil`am refuses to come with us.
15
Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.