Numbers 22:1-6

1Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan, across from Jericho.

2Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, 3and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. 4So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.”

Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, 5he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates1 in the land of his people.

“Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. 6So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”