Numbers 22:6

come now, therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people, afflict them with an evil which will render them powerless; for they are too mighty for me; peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I wot (know) that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. This was the reputation which Balaam had in all the surrounding countries, and this fact is noted in the message, in order to make Balaam willing to grant the request.