1. And the sons of Israel set forward and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan in front of Jericho.
2. And Balak, the son of Zippor, saw all that Israel had done to the Amorite.
3. And Moab was sore afraid of the people because they were many; and Moab was distressed because of the sons of Israel.
4. And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licks up the herbs of the field. And Balak, the son of Zippor, was king of the Moabites at that time.
5. Therefore he sent messengers unto Balaam, the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the river Eufrates in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt; behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me.
6. Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people, for they are too mighty for me; peradventure I shall be able to smite them and drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest shall be blessed, and he whom thou cursest shall be cursed.
7. And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the incantations in their hand; and they came unto Balaam and spoke unto him the words of Balak.
8. And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will recite the words unto you when the Lord shall speak unto me. So the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
9. And God came unto Balaam and said, Who are these men with thee?
10. And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent unto me, saying,
11. Behold, this people that has come out of Egypt, covers the face of the earth; come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them and drive them out.