3 Moab was very afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up all that are around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.”And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
5 He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying,“A people went out from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they dwell next to me.
6 And now, please come curse this people for me because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I will prevail, and we will defeat them, and I will drive them out of the land because I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”
7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian went with the divination payments 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 bring you word again, as the Lord will speak to me.” And the leaders of Moab dwelt with Balaam.
9 God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?”