Numbers 22:24

24 Then the LORD’s angel stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

Numbers 22:24 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 22:24

But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyard,
&c.]. Which were in the field into which the ass went, and before Balaam could turn her back she got into a narrow path, between the vineyards, as the Targum of Jonathan; a footpath which lay between them, or a footpath where foxes ran and had their holes, who used to lie near vineyards and among them, see ( Song of Solomon 1:14 ) however, it was a very narrow path, and here the angel placed himself, so that there was no passage for Balaam and his ass, at least not without great difficulty and danger; a wall [being] on this side, and a wall on that side;
and therefore there was no going out into the field, as before, to avoid the difficulty and danger; this being, as Jarchi observes, a stone wall that was on each side.

Numbers 22:24 In-Context

22 God’s anger burned because he went; and the LORD’s angel placed himself in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

23 The donkey saw the LORD’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the donkey turned out of the path, and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the path.

24 Then the LORD’s angel stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

25 The donkey saw the LORD’s angel, and she thrust herself to the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall. He struck her again.

26 The LORD’s angel went further, and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.