The Sanctuary Vessels and Balaam Slain for His Wages of Death

AND THE VESSELS OF THE SANCTUARY (ibid., Numbers 31:6): This is the Ark, as it is said, "for the service of the sanctuary was upon them; they bore it upon the shoulder" (Numbers 7:9). Rabbi Yochanan said: These are the priestly garments, in which were the Urim and Thummim, as it is said, "and the holy garments which are Aaron's, etc." (Exodus 29:29). "And Balaam son of Beor they slew with the sword" (Numbers 31:8). And what was he seeking there? Rather, he had gone to take the reward for the twenty-four thousand who fell through his counsel.