4 So Moʹab said to the elders of Midʹi·an:+ “Now this congregation will devour all our surroundings, just as a bull devours the grass in the field.”

Baʹlak the son of Zipʹpor was king of Moʹab at that time. 5 He sent messengers to Baʹlaam the son of Beʹor at Peʹthor,+ which is by the River* in his native land. He summoned him, saying: “Look! A people has come out of Egypt. Look! They have covered the face* of the earth,*+ and they are dwelling right in front of me. 6 Now, please, come and curse this people for me,+ for they are mightier than I am. Perhaps I can defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I well know that the one whom you bless is blessed and the one whom you curse is cursed.”