Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Numbers 22:26
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.
Verse 26. And the angel – stood in a narrow place] In this carriage of the angel says Mr. Ainsworth the Lord shows us the proceedings of his judgments against sinners:
First he mildly shakes his rod at them but lets them go untouched.
Secondly he comes nearer and touches them with an easy correction as it were wringing their foot against the wall.
Thirdly, when all this is ineffectual, he brings them into such straits, that they can neither turn to the right hand nor to the left, but must fall before his judgments, if they do not fully turn to him.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place,…. More narrow than the other, at a further distance:
where was no way to turn, either to the right hand or to the left; it was so strait and close a place that the angel filled the whole breadth of it, that there was no passing him; so that there was no getting forward nor backward; not forward, because the angel filled up the way, and there was no slipping by him; nor backward, because it could not turn itself to the right or left.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The angel moved still farther, and stationed himself in front of him, in so narrow a pass, that there was no room to move either to the right or to the left. As the ass could neither turn aside nor go past this time, she threw herself. down. Balaam was still more enraged at this, and smote her with the stick ( , which he carried; see Gen 38:18).
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
26. No way to turn This narrowing way between two walls fitly represents the dealings of God with wicked men first threatening them with his rod, yet sparing them; then touching them mildly, as in the case of the bruised foot; and at last bringing them into such a strait that escape is impossible.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
narrow. Hebrew. zarar. Occurs only here, Pro 23:27, and Isa 28:20.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
where was no way: Isa 26:11, Hos 2:6
Reciprocal: Gen 31:24 – dream