10. “They are messengers from King Balak of Moab,” Balaam answered. “He sent them
11. to ask me to go to Moab and place a curse on the people who have come there from Egypt. They have settled everywhere around him, and he wants to drive them out.”
12. But God replied, “Don't go with Balak's messengers. I have blessed those people who have come from Egypt, so don't curse them.”
13. The next morning, Balaam said to Balak's officials, “Go back home. The Lord says I cannot go with you.”
14. The officials left and told Balak that Balaam refused to come.
15. Then Balak sent a larger group of officials, who were even more important than the first ones.
16. They went to Balaam and told him that Balak had said, “Balaam, if you come to Moab,
17. I'll pay you very well and do whatever you ask. Just come and place a curse on these people.”
18. Balaam answered, “Even if Balak offered me a palace full of silver or gold, I wouldn't do anything to disobey the Lord my God.
19. You are welcome to spend the night here, just as the others did. I will find out if the Lord has something else to say about this.”
20. That night, God said, “Balaam, I'll let you go to Moab with Balak's messengers, but do only what I say.”