Numbers 22:3-11

New International Version

³ and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread^(A) because of the Israelites.

⁴ The Moabites^(B) said to the elders of Midian,^(C) “This horde is going to lick up everything^(D) around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.^(E)”

So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, ⁵ sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor,^(F) who was at Pethor, near the Euphrates River,^(G) in his native land. Balak said:

⁷ The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination.^(K) When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said.

⁸ “Spend the night here,” Balaam said to them, “and I will report back to you with the answer the Lord gives me.^(L)” So the Moabite officials stayed with him.

⁹ God came to Balaam^(M) and asked,^(N) “Who are these men with you?”

¹⁰ Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: ¹¹ ‘A people that has come out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps then I will be able to fight them and drive them away.’”