Another matter: “Take the vengeance” (Numbers 31:2) – this is what the verse said: “He will not withdraw His eyes from the righteous, and kings upon the throne” (Job 36:7). What is, “He will not withdraw His eyes from the righteous”? The Holy One blessed be He will not withhold from the righteous one what he desires with his eyes. It is to teach you that Moses desired to see the vengeance against Midian before he died.
He requested from the Holy One blessed be He that he see it with his eyes. In Moses’ regard it is stated: “The righteous one will rejoice in seeing vengeance” (Psalms 58:11) – the vengeance against Midian. “He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked” (Psalms 58:11) – this is Bilam. Moses said to Pinḥas and to the men of the army: ‘I know that the wicked Bilam is there to collect his payment.
If the wolf comes to the flock, spread a net for him. That wicked one, if you see that he is performing sorcery and flying in the air, show him the frontplate on which “sacred to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36) is written. He will fall; and kill him’: “They killed the kings of Midian among [al] those they slayed” (Numbers 31:8) – as they were performing sorcery with Bilam and flying. When they saw the frontplate, they6The Midianite kings. fell upon [al] their slain.