11. ‘This people that has come out of Egypt has covered up the earth. Now come, lay a curse on them for me; perhaps I may be able to fight them and drive them out.’”
12. But God said to Balaam: Do not go with them and do not curse this people, for they are blessed.
13. The next morning Balaam arose and told the princes of Balak, “Go back to your own country, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you.”
14. So the princes of Moab went back to Balak with the report, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
15. Balak yet again sent princes, who were more numerous and more distinguished than the others.
16. On coming to Balaam they told him, “Thus says Balak, son of Zippor: Please do not refuse to come to me.
17. I will reward you very handsomely and will do anything you ask of me. Come, lay a curse on this people for me.”
18. But Balaam replied to Balak’s servants, “Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, small or great, contrary to the command of the Lord, my God.
19. But, you too stay here overnight, so that I may learn what else the Lord may say to me.”
20. That night God came to Balaam and said to him: If these men have come to summon you, go back with them; yet only on the condition that you do exactly as I tell you.
21. So the next morning when Balaam arose, he saddled his donkey, and went off with the princes of Moab.