34. Balaam said to the Messenger of the Lord, “I’ve sinned. I didn’t know you were standing there in the road to stop me. If you still think this trip is evil, I’ll go back.”
35. The Messenger of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but say only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s princes.
36. When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him at Ir Moab, in the region of the Arnon Valley, right on the border of Moab.
37. Balak said to Balaam, “Why didn’t you come when I summoned you? You knew I’d be able to reward you.”
38. Balaam replied, “Well, I’ve come to you now. But I can’t say whatever I want to. I can only say what God tells me to say.”
39. Balaam went with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth.
40. Balak sacrificed cattle, sheep, and goats, and sent some of the meat to Balaam and the princes who were with him.
41. The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the Israelites’ camp.