Book of Daniel - Chapter 10 - Verse 17

This verse is taken from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. It describes a scene where the prophet Daniel encounters an angelic being in a vision. The phrase "For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord?" demonstrates Daniel's humility and awe in the presence of the angel. Daniel acknowledges the vast difference in status between himself, a mere human servant, and the angelic being who stands before him. The following statement, "for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me," reveals Daniel's physical and emotional reaction to the overwhelming presence of the angel. He is so in awe and overwhelmed that he loses his physical strength and is left breathless. This verse serves as a reminder of the power and majesty of God and his heavenly messengers, and the humility and reverence that should guide our interactions with them.

The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Daniel can be seen as a recognition of the overwhelming presence and power of God. The speaker is acknowledging the greatness and majesty of his lord, likely referring to a celestial being. The language used emphasizes the disparity in power and authority between the speaker (referred to as the servant) and his lord. The recognition of this power differential leads to a sense of weakness and awe in the speaker, as he acknowledges his own insignificance in the presence of such greatness. The concept of being unable to speak or breathe in the presence of a powerful being is a common motif in religious texts, highlighting the belief in the overwhelming holiness and majesty of divine beings.