Study Desk

And the sons of Israel pulled up stakes and camped on the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan, by Jericho.

And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

And Moab greatly feared because of the people, for it was many. And Moab was vexed by the presence of the sons of Israel.

And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now this assembly is licking up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.

And he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor which is beside the River of the land of the sons of his people, to call for him, saying, Behold! A people has come out of Egypt. Behold! it has covered the eye of the earth, and it is sitting next to me.

And now please come, curse this people for me, for it is stronger than I. Perhaps I will prevail, that we may strike them, that I may drive them out from the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed.