son of Zippor,
kingof
Moab, grew alarmed at the
Israelites’ military victories among the
Amorites. (
Numbers 22:2–4.) He consulted with the elders of
Midianand sent elders of Moab and Midian to the land by the
Euphratesto invite the
prophet Balaamto come and curse the Israelites for him. (
Numbers 22:4–7.) Balaam told them: “Spend the night here, and I shall reply to you as the Lord may instruct me.” (
Numbers 22:8.)
Godcame to Balaam and said: “You must not curse that people, for they are blessed.” (
Numbers 22:9–12.) In the morning, Balaam asked Balak’s dignitaries to leave, as God would not let him go with them, and they left and reported Balaam’s answer to Balak. (
Numbers 22:13–14.) Then Balak sent more numerous and distinguished dignitaries, who offered Balaam rich rewards in return for damning the Israelites. (
Numbers 22:15–17.) But Balaam replied: “Though Balak were to give me his house full of
silverand
gold, I could not do anything, big or little, contrary to the command of the Lord my God.” (
Numbers 22:18.) Nonetheless, Balaam invited the dignitaries to stay overnight to let Balaam find out what else God might say to him, and that night God told Balaam: “If these men have come to invite you, you may go with them.” (
Numbers 22:19–20.)
