5 He sent messengers to Baʹlaam the son of Beʹor at Peʹthor,+ which is by the River* in his native land. He summoned him, saying: “Look! A people has come out of Egypt. Look! They have covered the face* of the earth,*+ and they are dwelling right in front of me. 6 Now, please, come and curse this people for me,+ for they are mightier than I am. Perhaps I can defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I well know that the one whom you bless is blessed and the one whom you curse is cursed.”

11 Too bad for them, for they have followed the path of Cain+ and have rushed into the erroneous course of Baʹlaam+ for reward, and they have perished in the rebellious talk+ of Korʹah!+

14 “‘Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, that you have there those adhering to the teaching of Baʹlaam,+ who taught Baʹlak+ to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.*+