The Midianites — And why not the Moabites. It is probable the Midianites were most guilty, as in persuading Balak to send for Balaam, Numbers 22:4, Numbers 22:7. So in the reception of Balaam after Balak had dismissed him, Numbers 31:8, and in farther consultation with him, and in contriving the means for the executing of this wicked plot.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 25:17
Numbers 25:17
17 Vex the Midianites, and smite them: