4
And Moab said to the elders of Madiam, Now shall this assembly lick up all that are round about us, as a calf would lick up the green of the field:—and Balac son of Sepphor was king of Moab at that time.
5
And he sent ambassadors to Balaam the son of Beor, to Phathura, which is on a river of the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, a people is come out of Egypt, and behold it has covered the face of the earth, and it has encamped close to me.
6
And now come, curse me this people, for it is stronger than we; if we may be able to smite some of them, and I will cast them out of the land: for I know that whomsoever thou dost bless, they are blessed, and whomsoever thou dost curse, they are cursed.
7
And the elders of Moab went, and the elders of Madiam, and their divining in their hands; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balac.
8
And he said to them, Tarry here the night, and I will answer you the things which the Lord shall say to me; and the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.
9
And God came to Balaam, and said to him, Who are these men with thee?
10
And Balaam said to God, Balac son of Sepphor, king of Moab, sent them to me, saying,
11
Behold, a people has come forth out of Egypt, and has covered the face of the land, and it has encamped near to me; and now come, curse it for me, if indeed I shall be able to smite it, and cast it out of the land.
12
And God said to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them, neither shalt thou curse the people; for they are blessed.
13
And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balac, Depart quickly to your lord; God does not permit me to go with you.
14
And the princes of Moab rose, and came to Balac, and said, Balaam will not come with us.