Nehemiah 13:2

because they met not, &c. Cf. Deuteronomy 23:4, - Because they metyou not with bread and with waterin the way when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they (Heb. he) hired againstthee Balaamthe son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia to cursethee."

Balaam is referred to by the Deuteronomist as the prophet whose curse would be fatal; the Deuteronomist writer, like the prophet Micah (Nehemiah 6:5) follows the Jehovist account in Numbers 22-24, and shows no sign of acquaintance with the Elohist's description of Balaam (Numbers 31:8; Numbers 31:16) as an instigator of the Midianite plot to corrupt the children of Israel.

but hired The verb in the Hebrew is in the singular -he hired", as in Deuteronomy 23:4, referring possibly to Balak the son of Zippor in Numbers 22:2.

against them Literally -against him", i.e. Israel, corresponding to the singular -against thee" in Deuteronomy 23:4.

thathe should curse them R.V. to curse them.

howbeit our God The remainder of the verse gives in general terms the substance of Deuteronomy 23:5-6.