4. Moab said to the elders of Midian, “The multitude will lick up everything around us like the ox licks up the grass of the field.” Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
5. He sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, at Pethor near the River in his native land, saying to him, “Look now, a people has come out of Egypt. See now, they cover the surface of the earth and are settling beside me.
6. Come now, curse this people for me, because they are too strong for me! Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them away from the country. I know that whoever you bless will be blessed and whoever you curse will be accursed!”
7. The elders of Moab and Midian left with divination fees in their hand. When they came to Balaam, they told him Balak’s words.
8. He said to them, “Spend the night here. I will give you an answer just as Adonai speaks to me.” So the officials of Moab stayed with Balaam.
9. God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?”
10. Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent word to me:
11. See, the people coming out of Egypt cover the surface of the land. Come now, curse them for me. Perhaps I will be able to fight against them and drive them away!”
12. God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them! Do not curse them, for they are blessed!”
13. So Balaam got up in the morning and said to the officials of Balak, “Go back to your country, for Adonai has refused to let me go with you.”
14. So the Moabite officials got up, went back to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
15. Balak again sent other dignitaries, more numerous and honored than these previous ones.
16. They also came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak son of Zippor: Please let nothing keep you from coming to me!
17. I will richly reward you, and everything you tell me I will do! Just come now and curse this people for me!”
18. But Balaam answered Balak’s servants, “Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot cross beyond the mouth of Adonai my God, to do anything small or great!
19. But now, you may spend the night here, too. Then I may find out anything else Adonai may say to me.”
20. God came to Balaam by night and said to him, “Since the men came to you to summon you, arise and go with them. However, only the word I tell you are you to do!”