The main story of Balaam occurs during the sojourn of the Israelites in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, at the close of 40 years of wandering, shortly before the death of Moses and the crossing of the Jordan. The Israelites have already defeated two kings in Transjordan: Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. Balak, king of Moab,[3] consequently becomes alarmed, and sends elders of Midian and his Moabite messengers,[4] to Balaam, son of Beor, to induce him to come and curse Israel.