Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The children of Israel arrived in the plains of Moab on the eastern side of the Jordan River, near Jericho. King Balak of Moab watched as they defeated the Amorites and grew increasingly afraid of their numbers.

Moab was alarmed by the people's power and size, saying that they would devour everything around them like an ox eating grass from a field. The elders of Midian reported to Balak, "This multitude is too powerful for us; if we don't do something, they'll destroy our land."

Balak sent messengers to Balaam, a prophet who lived in Pethor, near the Euphrates River. He asked Balaam to curse the Israelites, saying, "Come now and curse these people for me. They're too powerful for me; I want to drive them out of our land." Balak believed that if Balaam cursed the people, he would be able to defeat them.

The elders of Moab and Midian arrived at Balaam's home with gifts in hand, bearing a message from King Balak. They invited him to come with them, saying, "Come now, I pray you, curse this people for me."

Balaam told the princes that he would bring word to them as God spoke to him. That night, God came to Balaam and asked, "Who are these men?" Balaam replied, "Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me." He then explained Balak's request: "There is a people come out of Egypt that covers the face of the earth; now curse them for me so I may be able to overcome and drive them out."

God told Balaam not to go with the princes, saying, "You must not curse this people because they are blessed." Balaam woke up early and informed the princes of Balak's message: "Get back into your land; the Lord refuses to let me go with you."

Despite Balaam's refusal, King Balak sent more dignitaries to persuade him. They came to Balaam, saying, "Thus says Balak son of Zippor: Let nothing hinder you from coming to me." Balak promised Balaam great honor and riches if he would curse the Israelites.

Balaam replied that even if King Balak offered him his house full of silver and gold, he could not go against God's word. However, he agreed to wait another night to hear what God had to say. That evening, God came to Balaam again, instructing him to go with the princes but only speak the words He would give.

Balaam rose early, saddled his donkey, and set out with the princes of Moab. But God's anger was kindled because Balaam had disobeyed; an angel stood in their path with a drawn sword. The donkey saw the angel and turned aside into a nearby field to avoid him.

Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the path, but she continued to see the angel and eventually fell down under his master's weight. Balaam's anger was kindled as he struck her again with a staff.

The Lord then opened the mouth of the donkey, and she spoke to Balaam, asking why he had struck her three times. Balaam responded that she had mocked him, but the donkey retorted, "Am I not your donkey, on which you've ridden all your life long? Was it ever my habit to do so to you?"

The Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel standing in their path with a drawn sword. He bowed his head and fell flat on his face.

The angel spoke to Balaam, saying, "Why have you struck your donkey three times? I've come out as an adversary because your way is perverse before me." The donkey had seen the angel and turned away from him three times; if she hadn't, the angel would have killed Balaam and spared the donkey.

Balaam acknowledged his sin, saying, "I didn't know you stood in the way against me. If it displeases you, I will return." The angel told Balaam to go with the princes but only speak the words He would give him. So Balaam went with them to meet King Balak.

When Balak heard that Balaam had arrived, he came out to greet him in a city on Moab's border near Arnon. Balak asked Balaam why he hadn't come sooner and whether he thought he could promote Balaam to greater honor.

Balaam replied, "Behold, I have come to you; do I now have the power to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak." Balaam accompanied Balak to Kiriath-huzoth, where they offered sacrifices and sent them to him with his princes.

The next day, Balak took Balaam up to the high places of Baal.