Daniel 10:16 (KJV) says, "And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength."

This verse is part of the book of Daniel, which is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. The book of Daniel is known for its apocalyptic visions and prophecies, and this particular verse comes from a passage where Daniel describes an encounter with a heavenly being who gives him a vision of the future.

In this verse, Daniel describes being touched by a being who looked like a human. The touch seems to have an empowering effect on him, as he immediately gains the strength to speak. However, he also expresses a sense of overwhelming sorrow and weakness due to the vision he has just received.

To understand the full meaning and symbolism of this verse, it is important to consider the broader context of the book of Daniel. The book is set during the Babylonian captivity, a time when the Israelites were exiled from their homeland and subjected to the rule of foreign powers. In the midst of this difficult and tumultuous period, Daniel receives a series of visions and revelations from God about the future of Israel and the world.

In the broader context of the book of Daniel, this verse can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual warfare that is taking place behind the scenes. Daniel is being given insight into the supernatural forces at work in the world, and he is experiencing the profound impact of these forces on his own being. The touch from the heavenly being represents a divine empowerment, while his feelings of sorrow and weakness reflect the weight of the spiritual realities being revealed to him.

One of the key themes in the book of Daniel is the sovereignty of God over the affairs of the world. Throughout the book, Daniel is shown to be a faithful servant of God who remains steadfast in his faith despite the challenges and dangers he faces. This verse can be seen as a demonstration of Daniel's vulnerability in the face of the overwhelming spiritual realities he is encountering, but also of his resilience and determination to continue seeking God's will.

The imagery of being touched on the lips is significant in biblical symbolism. In the Bible, the mouth is often seen as the instrument of speech and proclamation. The touch on Daniel's lips can be seen as a symbol of divine commissioning and empowerment, similar to the prophet Isaiah's experience of having a coal touch his lips in Isaiah 6:7. This touch gives Daniel the ability to speak and communicate the visions he has received, despite his initial feelings of weakness and distress.

Overall, this verse from the book of Daniel is a powerful and evocative depiction of the spiritual warfare and divine empowerment experienced by the prophet. It speaks to the broader themes of the book, including the sovereignty of God, the faithfulness of His servants, and the unfolding of His divine plan for the world. The verse also serves as a reminder of the profound impact that encountering the spiritual realm can have on an individual, and the need for divine empowerment to fulfill the tasks set before us.