173. HE INQUIRES: Where was Bilaam at that time? If you say in Midian, why is it written: "And now, behold, I go to my people" (Bemidbar 24:14). If he already left, who placed him in Midian? HE RESPONDS: As soon as that wicked man saw that 24,000 fell from Yisrael due to his advice, TO OFFER THE WOMEN TO PROSTITUTE WITH YISRAEL, he wished to collect from them his recompense. While he was still there, Pinchas and the chiefs of the army arrived there.

217. Rabbi Shimon said, Elazar, you certainly spoke well, since these spirits are definitely there. But what would you say IN THE EXPLANATION OF THE VERSE: "And the swallow (Heb. dror) a nest for herself?" He said, This is what I was taught: that refers to the holy soul, WHICH IS CALLED 'DROR,' IT BEING THE LIGHT OF BINAH, WHICH IS FREEDOM (HEB. DROR) that rises above and ascends to a hidden and concealed area, where "neither has the eye seen, that Elohim, beside You..."

219. In spite of all this, ALL THESE SPIRITS get burned from the canopies of their neighbors, from these that have freedom and liberty of all. And the Holy One, blessed be He, shows them one hidden chamber that is stored away, which "neither has the eye seen, that Elohim, beside You." That chamber is called 'bird's nest' and from there come crowns that are adorned for Messiah in the future to come, because on designated days, three times a year, the Holy One, blessed be He, wishes to delight in these righteous and show them that chamber that is hidden and stored away. It is not recognized by all the righteous that are there.