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So the messengers went—elders, actually, from both Moab and Midian—with money in hand, to pay the prophet to come back with them and curse the Israelites. They gave him Balak’s message.

Balaam (to the messengers): It’s been a long trip for you. Spend the night, and I’ll give you the prophecy the Eternal tells me.

So the Moabite and Midianite elders stayed overnight with Balaam. But God came in the night to Balaam and questioned him.

Eternal One (to Balaam): Who are these people staying with you?

Balaam: 10 Messengers. Balak, the king of Moab and Zippor’s son, sent them to ask me for help on their behalf. 11 He says that a certain people, coming from Egypt, seem to be taking over the land. He wants me to curse those people for him so he can fight them and make the survivors leave.

Eternal One: 12 Don’t do it. The people whom Balak wants you to curse are already blessed.

13 So first thing in the morning, Balaam confronted Balak’s elders with the news.

Balaam: You’ll have to go back to your land without me. The Eternal has prohibited me from returning with you.

14 The Moabite contingent returned and told Balak that Balaam wouldn’t come.

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