Numbers 22:26 Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left.

◄ Numbers 22:26 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left.

English Standard Version
Then the angel of the LORD went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left.

New American Standard Bible
The angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left.

King James Bible
And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Angel of the LORD went ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or the left.

International Standard Version
Then the angel of the LORD went along a little further and stood in a much narrower space, where it was impossible to turn either right or left.

American Standard Version
And the angel of Jehovah went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And nevertheless the angel going on to a narrow place, where there was no way to turn aside either to the right hand or to the left, stood to meet him.

Darby Bible Translation
Then the Angel of Jehovah went still further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

Young's Literal Translation
and the messenger of Jehovah addeth to pass over, and standeth in a strait place where there is no way to turn aside -- right or left --

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

22:22-35 We must not think, that because God does not always by his providence restrain men from sin, therefore he approves of it, or that it is not hateful to him. The holy angels oppose sin, and perhaps are employed in preventing it more than we are aware. This angel was an adversary to Balaam, because Balaam counted him his adversary; those are really our best friends, and we ought so to reckon them, who stop our progress in sinful ways. Balaam has notice of God's displeasure by the ass. It is common for those whose hearts are fully set in them to do evil, to push on violently, through the difficulties Providence lays in their way. The Lord opened the mouth of the ass. This was a great miracle wrought by the power of God. He who made man speak, could, when he pleased, make the ass to speak with man's voice. The ass complained of Balaam's cruelty. The righteous God does not allow the meanest or weakest to be abused; but they shall be able to speak in their own defence, or he will some way or other speak for them. Balaam at length has his eyes opened. God has many ways to bring down the hard and unhumbled heart. When our eyes are opened, we shall see the danger of sinful ways, and how much it was for our advantage to be crossed. Balaam seemed to relent; I have sinned; but it does not appear that he was sensible of this wickedness of his heart, or willing to own it. If he finds he cannot go forward, he will be content, since there is no remedy, to go back. Thus many leave their sins, only because their sins have left them. The angel declared that he should not only be unable to curse Israel, but should be forced to bless them: this would be more for the glory of God, and to his own confusion, than if he had turned back.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

24. the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards—The roads which lead through fields and vineyards are so narrow that in most parts a man could not pass a beast without care and caution. A stone or mud fence flanks each side of these roads, to prevent the soil being washed off by the rains.