Numbers 22:1

Numbers 22 opens with Israel encamped on the plains of Moab opposite Jericho, which terrifies Balak king of Moab into sending elders of Midian with rewards to summon Balaam son of Beor to curse Israel. God first tells Balaam not to go and not to curse the blessed people, and after a second delegation he is permitted to go only to speak what God declares, but the Lord's anger burns and the Angel of the Lord stands in the road to oppose him. The chapter closes with Balak taking Balaam up to the high places of Baal to see the outskirts of the people, setting the stage for Balaam's oracles in the following chapters.