Daniel 10:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 10:17
17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
Chapter Context
Daniel 10 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, love, wisdom. Written during the Babylonian and Persian periods (c. 605-530 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Demonstrates faithful living under foreign rule during the Babylonian and Persian empires.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Daniel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Daniel 10:17
17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
Analysis
Daniel expresses complete inadequacy: 'For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.' This emphasizes the gap between divine and human: even strengthened, Daniel feels unable to converse with the glorious being. The rhetorical question 'how can the servant...talk with this my lord?' expresses wonder that communication is possible at all. The physical symptoms—no strength, no breath—indicate complete depletion. This teaches that divine-human encounter bridges an infinite gap, requiring divine initiative and grace. The encounter exhausts human capacity while revealing God's gracious accommodation. Reformed theology emphasizes this: revelation is divine condescension; God stoops to communicate with creatures who cannot reach Him.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples understood hierarchy—subjects approached kings with fear, servants addressed masters carefully, humans approached gods with elaborate rituals. Yet biblical revelation presents intimate divine-human communication: God speaks to Moses 'face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend' (Exodus 33:11); angels converse with humans; the divine Word becomes flesh dwelling among us (John 1:14). This accessibility doesn't diminish divine transcendence but demonstrates divine grace. God could remain entirely transcendent and unknown; instead He reveals Himself, bridges the gap, and enables relationship. Daniel's amazement at conversing with the glorious messenger reflects this theological marvel: the infinite God communicates with finite creatures through gracious accommodation.
Reflection
- What does Daniel's wonder at being able to speak with the divine messenger teach about revelation's grace?
- How does the infinite gap between divine and human require not just initial but continual divine accommodation?
- Why is complete human depletion during divine encounter appropriate and healthy?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H113 - The LORD / Lord