1The sons of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beside the Jordan at Jericho.2Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorite.3Moab was very much afraid before the people because it was numerous, and Moab loathed the sons of Israel.4Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Now the assembly will lick up all around us as the ox licks up the green of the field." And Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.5He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is on the River in the land of his people, to call him, saying, "Behold, a people has come out from Egypt; behold, it covers the eye of the land, and it is dwelling opposite me."6And now, come please, curse this people for me, for it is mightier than I; perhaps I will be able to strike it and drive it out from the land, for I know that whomever you bless is blessed and whomever you curse is cursed.7The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian went with divinations in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke Balak's words to him.8He said to them, "Lodge here tonight, and I will return a word to you as the LORD speaks to me." So the officials of Moab stayed with Balaam.9God came to Balaam and said, "Who are these men who are with you?"10Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me."11Behold, the people that came out from Egypt have covered the eye of the land; now come, curse it for me; perhaps I will be able to fight against it and drive it out.12God said to Balaam, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for it is blessed."13Balaam rose in the morning and said to the officials of Balak, "Return to your land, for the LORD has refused to let me go with you."14The officials of Moab arose and went to Balak and said, "Balaam has refused to go with us."15Balak again sent rulers, many and honored, more than these.16They came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus says Balak son of Zippor: Please do not withhold from going to me.17For I will surely honor you greatly, and all that you say to me I will do; so please come, curse this people for me."18Balaam answered the servants of Balak, "Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the mouth of the LORD my God to do anything small or great.19Now please stay here tonight as well, so that I may know what more the LORD will speak with me."20God came to Balaam at night and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, arise, go with them, but only the word that I speak to you shall you do."