Balaam's counsel seems to have been first given to Balak, king of Moab; but probably the Midianitish women, especially of the higher ranks, as Cozbi was, were the principal tempters; and the nation of Midian seems to have come into the execrable measure more generally and heartily than that of Moab; they were therefore first selected to be made examples of, for a warning to the Moabites, who were spared at this time.

Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shall you be gathered to your people.

Revelation 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double to her double according to her works...