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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיּ֥וֹסֶף
further
H3254
וַיּ֥וֹסֶף
further
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 13
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
מַלְאַךְ
And the angel
H4397
מַלְאַךְ
And the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
2 of 13
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲב֑וֹר
went
H5674
עֲב֑וֹר
went
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
4 of 13
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙
and stood
H5975
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙
and stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
5 of 13
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
בְּמָק֣וֹם
place
H4725
בְּמָק֣וֹם
place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
where was no way
H1870
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
where was no way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
10 of 13
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לִנְט֖וֹת
to turn
H5186
לִנְט֖וֹת
to turn
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
11 of 13
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
Cross References
Historical Context
The geography of the Trans-Jordan region included many narrow defiles and passes between rock walls, especially in approach to Moab. These natural bottlenecks were often used militarily to trap enemies. God used familiar geography to illustrate spiritual reality—Balaam was trapped.
Questions for Reflection
- When God removes all options except repentance or judgment, will you recognize the narrow place as mercy or resent it as limitation?
- How does God's sovereignty over your circumstances demonstrate His commitment to stop you before you destroy yourself?
- What narrow places has God led you into where forward means destruction and only turning back offers life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—The Hebrew צַר (ṣar, "narrow") describes extreme constriction—a place with no מָקוֹם (māqôm, "space/room") for evasion. God eliminated all options. First, wide field with escape routes; second, walled path with limited maneuver; finally, absolute constriction allowing no movement except forward into the sword or backward in retreat.
This progression pictures God's complete sovereignty over our circumstances. He can arrange situations where only two options remain: repentance or destruction. The narrow place (ṣar) shares root with ṣārâ ("trouble/distress")—when God brings you to extremity, the trouble itself is mercy, forcing acknowledgment of His opposition before it's too late.