Numbers 22:7-21

7The elders of Moab and Midian left with divination fees in their hand. When they came to Balaam, they told him Balak’s words.

8He said to them, “Spend the night here. I will give you an answer just as Adonai speaks to me.” So the officials of Moab stayed with Balaam.

9God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?”

10Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent word to me:

11See, the people coming out of Egypt cover the surface of the land. Come now, curse them for me. Perhaps I will be able to fight against them and drive them away!”

12God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them! Do not curse them, for they are blessed!”

13So Balaam got up in the morning and said to the officials of Balak, “Go back to your country, for Adonai has refused to let me go with you.”

14So the Moabite officials got up, went back to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”

15Balak again sent other dignitaries, more numerous and honored than these previous ones.

16They also came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak son of Zippor: Please let nothing keep you from coming to me!

17I will richly reward you, and everything you tell me I will do! Just come now and curse this people for me!”

18But Balaam answered Balak’s servants, “Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot cross beyond the mouth of Adonai my God, to do anything small or great!

19But now, you may spend the night here, too. Then I may find out anything else Adonai may say to me.”

20God came to Balaam by night and said to him, “Since the men came to you to summon you, arise and go with them. However, only the word I tell you are you to do!”

21So Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the Moabite princes.