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.”