4
Moabsaid to the elders of Midian, "Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the oxlicks up the grass of the field." And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
5
So he sentmessengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, "Behold, a peoplecame out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are livingopposite* me.
6
"Now, therefore, pleasecome, cursethispeople for me since they are toomighty for me; perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed."
7
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midiandeparted with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeatedBalak'swords to him.
11
'Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt and they cover the surface of the land; nowcome, curse them for me; perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them out.' "
18
Balaamreplied to the servants of Balak, "ThoughBalak were to give me his housefull of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either smallorgreat, contrary to the command of the LORD my God.
20
Godcame to Balaam at night and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the wordwhich I speak to you shall you do."
22
But God was angry*because he was going, and the angel of the LORDtook his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his twoservants were with him.
23
When the donkeysaw the angel of the LORDstanding in the way with his drawnsword in his hand, the donkeyturned off from the way and went into the field; but Balaamstruck the donkey to turn her back into the way.
30
The donkeysaid to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey on which you have riddenall* your life to thisday? Have I ever been accustomed to doso to you?" And he said, "No."
31
Then the LORDopened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORDstanding in the way with his drawnsword in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground.
32
The angel of the LORDsaid to him, "Why* have you struck your donkeythesethreetimes? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way was contrary to me.
33
"But the donkeysaw me and turnedaside from me thesethreetimes. If she had not turnedaside from me, I would surely have killed you just now, and let her live."
34
Balaamsaid to the angel of the LORD, "I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the wayagainst me. Now then, if it is displeasing to you, I will turnback."
35
But the angel of the LORDsaid to Balaam, "Go with the men, but you shall speakonly the wordwhich I tell you." So Balaamwent along with the leaders of Balak.