22 The children of Israel alse killed Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, with the sword, among the rest of their slain.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
(f) Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.
(f) So that both they who obeyed wicked counsel and the wicked counsellor perished by the just judgment of God.
Balaam also, the son of Beor the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword,.... At the same time that the princes of Midian were slain, and which is also observed; see Gill on Numbers 31:8. Kimchi supposes that he returned to Midian, on hearing that the counsel he gave to them, to ensnare Israel with their daughters, had taken effect, in order to receive his wages, and so received his righteous doom and just reward; it is commonly said by the Jews (m), that he was slain by Phinehas:
among them that were slain by them; among the above princes, and the common soldiers, of which there was a great slaughter; even all the males of Midian were slain, Numbers 31:7.
(m) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 106. 2. Kimchi in loc.
Were slain by them - This was recorded before, Numbers 31:8, and is here repeated, because the defeating of Balaam's purpose to curse Israel, and the turning that curse into a blessing, was such an instance of the power and goodness of God, as was fit to be had in everlasting remembrance.
*More commentary available at chapter level.