He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt.
Behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they are staying opposite me.
Please come now therefore, and curse this people for me; for they are too mighty for me.
Perhaps I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”