Chapter 22
1
The sons of Israel journeyed and encamped in the plains of Moab across the Jordan from Jericho.
2
He saw Balak son of Zippor, all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3
Moab was greatly afraid of the people because they were numerous, and Moab was dismayed before the sons of Israel.
4
Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Now the assembly will lick up all our surroundings like the ox licks up the green of the field." And Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
5
And he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the river, the land of his people, to call to him, saying, "Behold, a people came out from Egypt; behold, it has covered the eye of the land, and he is sitting from fullness."
6
Now please come and curse this people for me, for they are stronger than I am. Perhaps I may strike them and drive them out of the land, for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.
7
The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian went, with divinations in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.
8
He said to them, "Lodge here tonight, and I will return the word to you just as the LORD speaks to me." And the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.
9
God came to Balaam and said, "Who are these men with you?"
10
He said, "Balaam, to God: Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent to me."
11
Look, the people who came out from Egypt; they cover the face of the land. Now come, curse them for me; perhaps I will be able to fight against them and drive them out.
12
God said to Balaam, "Do not go with them; do not curse the people, for they are blessed."
13
Balaam arose in the morning and said to the chiefs of Balak, "Go to your land, for the LORD has refused to give me permission to go with you."
14
The rulers of Moab arose and came to Balak, and they said, "Balaam refused; he will not go with us."
15
And Balak still added to send more officials, many and more honored than these.
16
And they came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus said Balak son of Zippor: Please do not refrain from going to me."
17
For I have honored you—I will honor you very much, and everything that you say to me I will do. And now please curse this people for me.
18
Balaam answered the servants of Balak, "If Balak gives me a full house of silver and gold, I am not able to transgress the mouth of the LORD my God to do a small thing or a great thing."
19
And now please stay here also—you the night, and I will know what the LORD will add to speak with my people.
20
God 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 will speak to you—that you shall do."