Daniel 10:16

And suddenly one with the likeness of a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, "My lord, because of the vision, I am overcome with anguish, and I have no strength.

Study Bible

And suddenly
The phrase "and suddenly" indicates an unexpected and immediate event. In the Hebrew context, this suddenness often signifies divine intervention or revelation. It underscores the abruptness with which God can act in human affairs, reminding us of His sovereignty and the element of surprise in His divine plans.

one with the likeness of a man
This phrase suggests a heavenly being appearing in human form. In the Hebrew tradition, angels often take on human likeness to communicate with people. This aligns with the biblical theme of God using familiar forms to convey His messages, emphasizing His desire to relate to humanity in understandable ways.

touched my lips
The act of touching the lips is significant in biblical literature, symbolizing purification and empowerment for speech. In Isaiah 6:7, a similar act occurs, where a seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with a coal, cleansing him. Here, it signifies Daniel being prepared and enabled to speak, highlighting the importance of divine preparation before undertaking God's work.

and I opened my mouth and began to speak
This phrase marks the transition from silence to speech, symbolizing the readiness to communicate divine truths. In the biblical narrative, opening one's mouth often signifies the beginning of prophecy or revelation. It reflects the empowerment that comes from divine touch, enabling Daniel to articulate his experience and emotions.

I said to the one standing before me
Addressing "the one standing before me" indicates a direct communication with the heavenly messenger. This interaction underscores the personal nature of divine encounters, where God’s messengers engage directly with individuals, providing guidance and understanding.

My lord
The term "my lord" is a respectful address, acknowledging the authority and superiority of the heavenly being. In the Hebrew context, such a term is used to show reverence and recognition of the divine or angelic nature of the visitor, reflecting Daniel's humility and respect.

because of the vision
This phrase points to the cause of Daniel's distress. Visions in the Bible often reveal profound truths and future events, which can be overwhelming. Daniel's reaction is consistent with the human response to divine revelation, which often brings both enlightenment and a sense of burden.

I am overcome with anguish
The expression of being "overcome with anguish" reveals the emotional and physical toll of receiving divine visions. In the Hebrew tradition, encountering the divine often leads to a deep sense of awe and fear, reflecting the weight of the message and the human inability to fully comprehend God's plans.

and have no strength
This phrase highlights the physical weakness that accompanies spiritual encounters. In biblical narratives, the presence of God or His messengers often leaves individuals physically drained, symbolizing the overwhelming power of divine revelation and the need for divine strength to endure and understand it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A prophet and a man of God who is receiving a vision. Known for his faithfulness and wisdom, Daniel is deeply affected by the vision he receives.

2. The One with the Likeness of a Man
This figure is often interpreted as an angelic being, possibly Gabriel, who touches Daniel's lips to enable him to speak.

3. The Vision
A divine revelation given to Daniel, which causes him great distress and leaves him without strength.

4. The Touch
The act of the angelic being touching Daniel's lips, symbolizing empowerment and the ability to communicate the message of God.

5. Anguish and Strength
Daniel's physical and emotional response to the overwhelming nature of the vision, highlighting human frailty in the presence of divine revelation.

Teaching Points

Divine Empowerment
God equips those He calls. Just as Daniel's lips were touched, God provides the necessary strength and ability to fulfill His purposes.

Human Frailty in Divine Presence
Recognize our limitations and the overwhelming nature of God's holiness. This should lead to humility and reliance on God's strength.

The Role of Angels
Angels serve as messengers and ministers to God's people, providing support and strength in times of need.

The Importance of Vision and Revelation
God communicates His plans and purposes through visions and revelations, which require discernment and courage to understand and share.

Responding to God's Call
Like Daniel, we may feel inadequate, but God provides what we need to respond to His call. Trust in His provision and step out in faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the experience of Daniel in this passage reflect our own feelings of inadequacy when faced with God's calling?

2. In what ways can we seek and recognize divine empowerment in our daily lives, similar to Daniel's experience?

3. How do the roles of angels in the Bible encourage us to understand God's provision and support in our spiritual journey?

4. What can we learn from Daniel's response to the vision about handling overwhelming situations in our lives?

5. How do the experiences of other prophets, like Isaiah and Jeremiah, enhance our understanding of Daniel 10:16 and its application to our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 6:5-7
Similar to Daniel, Isaiah experiences a vision and is touched on the lips by a seraphim, symbolizing purification and empowerment to speak God's message.

Jeremiah 1:9
God touches Jeremiah's mouth, signifying the divine appointment and empowerment to speak His words.

Revelation 1:17
John falls as though dead in the presence of a divine vision, similar to Daniel's reaction, showing the overwhelming nature of encountering the divine.