And he said: Fear not, O man of desires, peace be to thee: take courage, and be strong. And when he spoke to me, I grew strong, and I said: Speak, O my lord, for thou hast strengthened me.
וַיֹּ֜אמֶר אַל־תִּירָ֧א אִישׁ־חֲמֻד֛וֹת שָׁל֥וֹם לָ֖ךְ חֲזַ֣ק וַחֲזָ֑ק וּֽבְדַבְּר֤וֹ עִמִּי֙ הִתְחַזַּ֔קְתִּי וָאֹֽמְרָ֛ה יְדַבֵּ֥ר אֲדֹנִ֖י כִּ֥י חִזַּקְתָּֽנִי׃
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
After he had spoken to me, I found myself fortified and responded, Speak, my lord, as you have given me strength. He replied, Had the touch of someone like the Son of Man not empowered him, and had fear not departed from his heart, he would have been unable to perceive the decrees of God. Therefore, he now proclaims, Because you have strengthened me, speak, my lord. For you have enabled me to both hear and comprehend what you are about to convey.
The prophet urges, "Reach out and engage with the world, as human sight does, and empower me." He reassures, "Do not be afraid, O seeker of desires; peace be upon you: take heart and be strong." This message emphasizes that there is no need for great trepidation; I have not come to bring about your destruction, but rather to reveal the truths you seek. Therefore, cast aside your fears; "Take heart and be strong," and this promise will be fulfilled in action. When you converse with me, the prophet states, "I will find strength and declare, My Lord has indeed strengthened me."
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS