1. The Israelites set out, and they encamped on the desert-plateau of Moab, across from Jericho beyond the Jordan.
2. Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel did to the Amorites,
3. and Moab was very terrified in the presence of the people because they were numerous; and Moab dreaded the presence of the Israelites.
4. And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now the crowd will lick up all around us, like a bull devours the grass of the field.” And Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
5. He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the river, in the land of the children of his people, to summon him, saying, “Look! A people went out from Egypt. Look! They cover the surface of the land; they are about to dwell opposite me.
6. Now, please go, curse this people for me because they are stronger than me; perhaps I will be able to strike them and drive them out from the land because I know whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you cursed is cursed.”
7. So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian went with a fee for divination in their hand; they came to Balaam and spoke the words of Balak to him.