5 and he sent messengers to Balaam, son of Beor, at Pethor on the river, in the land of the Ammonites, to summon him with these words, “A people has come out of Egypt! They have covered up the earth and are settling down opposite me!
6 Now come, curse this people for me, since they are stronger than I am. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed and whoever you curse is cursed.”
7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian, themselves experts in divination, left and went to Balaam, to whom they gave Balak’s message.
8 He said to them, “Stay here overnight, and I will give you whatever answer the Lord gives me.” So the princes of Moab lodged with Balaam.
9 Then God came to Balaam and said: Who are these men with you?
10 Balaam answered God, “Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me the message:
11 ‘This people that has come out of Egypt has covered up the earth. Now come, lay a curse on them for me; perhaps I may be able to fight them and drive them out.’”