Overview
Pethor was a city in Mesopotamia (modern-day Syria/Iraq region) where Balaam the prophet resided. King Balak of Moab hired messengers to travel to Pethor to recruit Balaam to curse the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Despite Balaam's initial willingness and the king's enticements, God prevented the curse and turned it into blessing, revealing His absolute control over all nations and peoples.
Key Scriptures
"And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was in great dread of the people. So Moab said to the elders of Midian, 'This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.' So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River, to his native land, to call him" (Numbers 22:2-5, ESV).
"You shall not seek their peace or their prosperity all your days forever" (Deuteronomy 23:6, ESV) - Israel was warned against Moabite influence stemming from this episode.
Application
Trust that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by any earthly power or opposition, no matter how formidable they appear.