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."