7 Balaam said:“King Balak of Moab brought mefrom the hills of Syriato curse Israeland announce its doom.
8 But I can't go against God!He did not curseor condemn Israel.
9 “From the mountain peaks,I look down and see Israel,the obedient people of God.
10 They are living alone in peace.And though they are many,they don't botherthe other nations.“I hope to obey Godfor as long as I liveand to die in such peace.”
11 Balak said, “What are you doing? I asked you to come and place a curse on my enemies. But you have blessed them instead!”
12 Balaam answered, “I can say only what the Lord tells me.”
13 Balak said to Balaam, “Let's go somewhere else. Perhaps if you see a smaller part of the Israelites, you will be able to curse them for me.”