XXXVI Here it is told how a cruel king persecuted the Christians

This king spoke with Balaam the prophet, and said: tell me, Balaam, how comes this matter with my foes? Am I indeed more powerful than they, and yet can do them no harm?

And Balaam answered: Sire, because they are God’s people. But I will do in this way, that I will go unto them and will curse them, and you shall attack them and shall win the victory.

So this Balaam mounted his ass, and went up on to a mountain.

Then the angel of God went before him, and did not let him pass. And he pricked his ass, thinking it was frightened, and it spoke and said: do not beat me, for I see here the angel of the Lord with a sword of fire in his hand, and he will not let me pass.

Then the prophet Balaam looked and beheld the angel. And the angel spoke and said: why are you going to curse God’s people. You shall bless them straightaway, just as you desired to curse them, unless you wish to die.

The prophet went and blessed God’s people, and the king said: what do you do? This is not cursing.

And so the king did.

He took some fair women in that manner, and sent them into the camp.

The men were desirous of them, and they consented and adored the idols and then sinned with them.

Then the prophet went and cursed God’s people, and God did not succour them.

And that king gave battle, and defeated them all.

Wherefore the just suffered the penalty of those who sinned. They repented and atoned and drove away the women, and became reconciled to God and returned to their former freedom.