Why did Balak call for Balaam to curse Israel?
Balak called for Balaam because Balaam was known in Mesopotamia, to the east, as an enchanter and a man of divination. He was known for his enchantments. Balak wanted him brought over to put a curse on the multitudes of Israelites.
Les explains that Balak knew there was an enchanter, a man of divination out in Mesopotamia, to the east, who was known for his enchantments. So Balak said he would call him, bring him over, and let him put a curse on these multitudes of Israelites. Les also notes he stops to teach Balaam to point out two basic facts: that there were anywhere from three to seven million people plus all their livestock, and that Balaam is the perfect picture or example of false teachers, a warning especially needed today.