14. So the leaders of Moab went back to Balak and told him this. They said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
15. So Balak sent other leaders to Balaam. This time he sent many more than the first time. And these leaders were much more important than the first ones he sent.
16. They went to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says to you: Please don’t let anything stop you from coming.
17. I will pay you very much, and I will do whatever you ask. Come and curse these people for me.”
18. Balaam gave Balak’s officials his answer. He said, “I must obey the Lord my God. I cannot do anything, great or small, against his command. Even if King Balak gives me his beautiful home filled with silver and gold, I will not do anything against the Lord’s command.