17, 18. How was Daniel helped a second time, and what did that enable him to do?

¹⁷ Instead of Daniel’s being aroused by the prospect of receiving such an intriguing message, it appears that the things he heard had an adverse effect on him. The account states: “Now when he spoke with me words like these, I had set my face to the earth and had become speechless.” But the angelic messenger was ready to render loving help—a second time. Said Daniel: “Look! one similar to the likeness of the sons of mankind was touching my lips, and I began to open my mouth and speak.”b—Daniel 10:15, 16a.

¹⁸ Daniel was strengthened when the angel touched his lips. (Compare Isaiah 6:7.) With his power of speech restored, Daniel was able to explain to the angelic messenger the hardship that he was enduring. Daniel said: “O my lord, because of the appearance my convulsions were turned within me, and I did not retain any power. So how was the servant of this my lord able to speak with this my lord? And as for me, up to now there kept standing in me no power, and no breath at all was left remaining in me.”—Daniel 10:16b, 17.

19. How was Daniel helped a third time, and with what result?

¹⁹ Daniel was not voicing any complaint or making an excuse. He was merely stating his predicament, and the angel accepted his statement. Thus, for a third time, Daniel was helped by the angelic messenger. “The one like the appearance of an earthling man proceeded to touch me again and strengthen me,” said the prophet. The messenger followed that energizing touch with these consoling words: “Do not be afraid, O very desirable man. May you have peace. Be strong, yes, be strong.” That loving touch and those upbuilding words seemed to be just what Daniel needed. The result? Daniel declared: “As soon as he spoke with me I exerted my strength and finally said: ‘Let my lord speak, because you have strengthened me.’” Daniel was now ready for another challenging assignment.—Daniel 10:18, 19.