15-17 “While he was saying all this, I looked at the ground and said nothing. Then I was surprised by something like a human hand that touched my lips. I opened my mouth and started talking to the messenger: ‘When I saw you, master, I was terror-stricken. My knees turned to water. I couldn’t move. How can I, a lowly servant, speak to you, my master? I’m paralyzed. I can hardly breathe!’

18-19 “Then this humanlike figure touched me again and gave me strength. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong.’

“Even as he spoke, courage surged up within me. I said, ‘Go ahead, let my master speak. You’ve given me courage.’

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17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”(A)

18 Again the one who looked like a man touched(B) me and gave me strength.(C) 19 “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,”(D) he said. “Peace!(E) Be strong now; be strong.”(F)

When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”(G)

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