MSTC(i)
3 and the Moabites were sore afraid of the people, because they were many; and abhorred the children of Israel.
4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, "Now this company hath licked up all that are round about us, as an ox licketh up the grass of the field." And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
5 And he sent messengers unto Balaam the son of Beor, the interpreter, which dwelt upon the river of the land of the children of his folk; to call him, saying, "Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt which covereth the face of the earth and lie even hard by me.
6 Come now a fellowship, and curse me this people. For they are too mighty for me, so peradventure I might be able to smite them and to drive them out of the land. For I know that whom thou blessest shall be blessed, and whom thou cursest shall be cursed."
7 And the elders of Moab went with the elders of Midian, and the reward of the soothsaying in their hands. And they came unto Balaam and told him the words of Balak.
8 And he said unto them, "Tarry here all night and I will bring you word, even as the LORD shall say unto me." And the lords of Moab abode with Balaam.
9 And God came unto Balaam, and said, "What men are these which are with thee?"
10 And Balaam said unto God, "Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
11 'Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt and covereth the face of the earth: come now therefore and curse me them, that so peradventure I may be able to overcome them in battle, and to drive them out.'"