Numbers 22:36-41

Common English Bible

Balaam and Balak meet

³⁶ When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at Ir-moab, which is on the border of the Arnon at the farthest point of the border. ³⁷ Balak said to Balaam, “Didn’t I send urgently and summon you? Why didn’t you come to me? Am I really not able to honor you?”

³⁸ Balaam said to Balak, “I’ve now come to you. But I’m only able to speak whatever word God gives me to say. That is what I will speak.”

Balaam’s first blessing of the Israelites

³⁹ Then Balaam went with Balak and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. ⁴⁰ Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep and sent them to Balaam and the officials who were with him. ⁴¹ In the morning Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal, where he could see part of the people.