Daniel 10:19
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Daniel 10:19
In verse 19, the heavenly messenger addresses Daniel directly: “O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” The epithet “man greatly beloved” communicates affection and divine purpose toward Daniel; he is not an enemy but a beloved servant in whom God delights. The messenger’s exhortation to “fear not” and to “be strong” frames the subsequent revelation as a mission that requires courage and steadfastness. The response, “Let my lord speak,” demonstrates Daniel’s restored readiness to receive more guidance. This moment shifts from personal struggle to obedient proclamation. It is a transition from weakness to seasoned resolve, a pattern echoed in biblical encounters where reassurance precedes instruction.
This verse centers on divine reassurance and courageous obedience. The repeated calls to “be strong” reflect the strength that comes from God rather than self-reliance. It also reinforces the relational dimension of prophecy: God communicates through a beloved emissary who invites trust. The phrase “peace be unto thee” ties shalom to prophetic mission, suggesting that true strength emerges when aligned with God’s purposes. Theologically, it underscores sanctification in vocation—God’s people are equipped for the tasks He assigns, not merely tolerated in weakness. The verse also resonates with New Testament reminders that believers can endure trials because of God’s presence and love (Romans 8; Ephesians 3).
Take comfort from being “greatly beloved” by God when facing daunting tasks. Let God’s peace be your anchor and His strength your fuel. Practical steps: memorize a few assurances (e.g., “God is with me”; “His strength is made perfect in weakness”) to recall in moments of fear. When you’re in leadership, teach and encourage others with the awareness that God strengthens you to strengthen others. If you’re awaiting guidance, cultivate a posture of listening, asking God to speak clearly and with grace. In family life, invite God’s strength into difficult conversations—approach with gentleness, but remain firm in truth. The core is to move from self-reliance to reliance on God’s empowering love.
Cross-References: Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 1:28; Romans 8:31-32; 2 Timothy 1:7