Daniel 8:1

KJV

¶ In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, [even unto] me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the third {H7969} year {H8141} of the reign {H4438} of king {H4428} Belshazzar {H1112} a vision {H2377} appeared {H7200} unto me, even unto me Daniel {H1840}, after {H310} that which appeared {H7200} unto me at the first {H8462}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After that first vision, it was in the third year of the reign of King Belshatzar that another vision appeared to me, Dani'el.

Berean Standard Bible

In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar, a vision appeared to me, Daniel, subsequent to the one that had appeared to me earlier.

American Standard Version

In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me, Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:1 serves as a crucial chronological marker, situating the prophet Daniel's second major apocalyptic vision in the third year of King Belshazzar's reign. This verse not only dates the revelation but also establishes its continuity with previous divine encounters, particularly the vision recorded in Daniel 7. It underscores God's meticulous timing and His ongoing communication with His chosen servants, revealing future events and the unfolding of His sovereign plan for world empires.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:1 immediately follows the detailed account of Daniel's vision of four beasts in [Daniel chapter 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - The Vision of Four Beasts"), which broadly outlines the succession of world empires from Babylon to the end times. Although chronologically Daniel 8 occurs before the events of [Daniel chapter 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon") (which describes Belshazzar's fall), the book's arrangement places the prophetic visions of chapters 7-12 together. This structural choice emphasizes the thematic progression of God's revelation concerning Gentile powers and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. Chapter 8 then narrows the focus, providing more specific details about two of the empires introduced in chapter 7 – Medo-Persia and Greece – through the imagery of a ram and a goat, culminating in the rise of a "little horn" that foreshadows Antiochus IV Epiphanes and potentially a future antichrist figure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "third year of the reign of king Belshazzar" places this vision around 550-549 BC. Belshazzar was the co-regent in Babylon, ruling alongside his father, Nabonidus, who was often away from the capital. This period marked the twilight of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, though its power would still have seemed formidable to contemporaries. Daniel, by this time, was an elderly statesman, having served in the Babylonian court for decades. The cultural milieu was one dominated by polytheistic worship, imperial power, and astrological practices. Against this backdrop, Daniel's monotheistic faith and his reception of divine visions from the one true God stood in stark contrast, highlighting God's supremacy over all earthly powers and deities, even as Babylon itself was nearing its demise, as documented in [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - The Fall of Babylon").
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several significant themes that permeate the book of Daniel. Firstly, **Divine Revelation and Foresight** is paramount, emphasizing God's active engagement with human history by unveiling future events to His prophet. This demonstrates God's omniscience and His sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations. Secondly, the phrase "after that which appeared unto me at the first" highlights the **Continuity and Progression of Prophecy**. God's revelations are not isolated but build upon one another, providing increasing clarity and detail regarding His overarching plan. This particular vision expands upon the general outline of empires in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - The Vision of Four Beasts"), focusing on specific geopolitical entities. Lastly, the timing of the vision during the reign of a powerful, yet ultimately doomed, earthly king underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty Over Empires**, affirming that human rulers and their kingdoms are temporary and subject to the divine will, which will ultimately culminate in an eternal, indestructible kingdom (cf. [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Everlasting Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Belshazzar (Hebrew, _Bêlshaʼtstsar'_):** This name, of foreign origin, identifies the Babylonian king during whose reign this vision occurred. Historically, Belshazzar was the son and co-regent of Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His inclusion here precisely dates the vision and grounds it in a specific historical context, underscoring the authenticity of Daniel's prophecy and God's interaction with real-world events and rulers. The name itself likely means "Bel protect the king" or "Bel's prince," connecting him to the chief Babylonian deity, Bel (Marduk), whose power would soon prove futile against the sovereign God of Israel.
* **vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** Derived from the root "to see," this term denotes a prophetic sight, a divinely granted revelation, often experienced in a dream or trance-like state. Unlike an ordinary dream, a _châzôwn_ carries the weight of divine authority and conveys spiritual truths or future events. Its use here signifies that Daniel's experience was not a mere figment of imagination but a direct, authoritative communication from God, providing insight into His unfolding plan for the nations.
* **appeared (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root means "to see," but in this context, it implies that the vision was actively presented or manifested to Daniel. It suggests an intentional divine act of showing or revealing, rather than a passive observation by Daniel. The verb highlights the dynamic nature of the encounter, where God initiates and Daniel receives a profound, impactful revelation, emphasizing the direct and personal nature of the divine communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar":** This opening clause provides a precise chronological setting for the vision. It anchors the prophetic revelation firmly within a known historical period, the twilight years of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, thereby validating its historical context and the accuracy of Daniel's account. This dating is significant because it places the vision before the events of [Daniel chapter 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon"), where Belshazzar's kingdom falls, indicating that God revealed future events to Daniel even while Babylon still seemed powerful.
* **"a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel":** This phrase identifies the recipient of the divine revelation and emphasizes the personal and direct nature of the encounter. The repetition "unto me, even unto me Daniel" serves as an emphatic affirmation that Daniel himself was the sole and specific recipient, underscoring the authenticity and unique authority of the prophetic message. It highlights Daniel's role as God's chosen vessel for communicating these profound truths.
* **"after that which appeared unto me at the first":** This concluding clause establishes a crucial link to Daniel's previous prophetic experiences, specifically the vision recorded in [Daniel chapter 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - The Vision of Four Beasts"). It signifies that this new vision is not isolated but is part of a continuous, unfolding series of divine revelations. This continuity suggests a progressive unveiling of God's plan, with each subsequent vision building upon and providing further detail to what was revealed before, demonstrating the coherence and intentionality of God's prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:1 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. The most prominent is **Chronological Marker**, which immediately grounds the supernatural vision in a specific historical timeframe ("In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar"). This precision lends credibility and historical weight to the prophetic narrative. **Repetition** is also evident in "appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel," which serves as an emphatic device, underscoring the personal and direct nature of the divine revelation to Daniel. This repetition highlights Daniel's unique role as the recipient and authenticates the vision's origin. Furthermore, the phrase "after that which appeared unto me at the first" functions as a **Narrative Link** or **Intertextual Reference**, connecting this vision to previous revelations (specifically [Daniel chapter 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - The Vision of Four Beasts")). This linkage establishes a sense of continuity and progressive revelation within the book, indicating that God's prophetic plan unfolds systematically and with increasing detail. The verse also subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, as the mention of Belshazzar's reign, soon to end, sets the stage for visions of future empires, implying that God's sovereignty transcends any current earthly power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:1 profoundly underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over human history and His active involvement in revealing His plans to His chosen servants. The precise dating of the vision during Belshazzar's reign, a period of perceived stability for Babylon, yet preceding its imminent fall, powerfully illustrates that God's timeline and purposes supersede all earthly powers. This verse establishes a pattern of divine revelation that is both progressive and cumulative, where later visions build upon and clarify earlier ones, demonstrating God's intentionality in unveiling His grand design. It reinforces the theological truth that God is not a distant deity but one who communicates His will and future intentions to humanity, offering both warning and hope. This divine foresight serves to strengthen the faith of believers, assuring them that God is in control, even amidst the tumultuous rise and fall of nations.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:1 invites us to contemplate the profound truth of God's sovereign control over all of history, from the rise and fall of empires to the intricate details of individual lives. Just as God meticulously revealed future events to Daniel, He continues to work out His purposes in our world today, often in ways that transcend our immediate understanding. This verse encourages a posture of trust and patient expectation, reminding us that even when earthly powers seem overwhelming or chaotic, God remains on His throne, orchestrating all things according to His perfect will. For believers, it provides a deep sense of security and hope, knowing that our God is not surprised by current events but has declared the end from the beginning. It calls us to diligently study His Word, seeking to discern His ongoing work and to live faithfully within His unfolding plan, confident that His kingdom is the only one that will endure eternally.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating of this vision in Daniel 8:1 strengthen your faith in the historical accuracy and divine inspiration of Scripture?**
* **In what ways does God's pattern of progressive revelation, as seen in Daniel's visions, encourage you to seek deeper understanding of His Word?**
* **How can the knowledge of God's sovereignty over earthly empires, as highlighted in this verse, impact your perspective on current global events and political landscapes?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "third year of the reign of king Belshazzar" for understanding the book of Daniel?**

Answer: This precise chronological detail is crucial because it places the vision of Daniel 8 before the events of [Daniel chapter 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon"), where Belshazzar's kingdom dramatically falls to the Medes and Persians. While the book of Daniel is arranged thematically (historical narratives in chapters 1-6, prophetic visions in chapters 7-12), this verse reminds us that the prophetic revelations about future empires (Medo-Persia and Greece in Daniel 8) were given to Daniel *before* the immediate historical fulfillment of Babylon's downfall. This highlights God's foreknowledge and the authenticity of Daniel's prophecies, demonstrating that God reveals future events long before they transpire.

**How does the vision in Daniel 8 relate to the previous vision in Daniel 7?**

Answer: Daniel 8:1 explicitly states that this vision occurred "after that which appeared unto me at the first," directly linking it to the vision of the four beasts in [Daniel chapter 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - The Vision of Four Beasts"). While Daniel 7 provides a broad overview of four successive world empires (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome), Daniel 8 narrows the focus and provides more specific details about the second and third empires: Medo-Persia (represented by a ram) and Greece (represented by a goat). It elaborates on their rise, conquests, and the emergence of significant figures within them, particularly the "little horn" from Greece, which is understood to be Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a historical figure who persecuted the Jews. This shows a progressive revelation, where God provides increasing clarity and detail over time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise dating of Daniel 8:1, revealing God's future plans amidst the reign of a powerful but transient earthly king, profoundly points to Christ's ultimate and eternal sovereignty. The visions granted to Daniel, detailing the rise and fall of successive empires (Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome), culminate in the establishment of a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Everlasting Kingdom")). This indestructible kingdom finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "Son of Man" to whom "dominion and glory and a kingdom" were given, so that "all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed" ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Kingdom")). The historical precision of Daniel's prophecy, foretelling the demise of earthly powers, serves as a powerful testament to the certainty of Christ's triumph. Every earthly king and empire, including Belshazzar's, ultimately bows before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, who reigns eternally and whose kingdom is indeed without end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 7:1

¶ In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, [and] told the sum of the matters.

Daniel 9:2

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

Daniel 10:2

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

Daniel 10:7

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

Daniel 7:15

¶ I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of [my] body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

Daniel 8:15

¶ And it came to pass, when I, [even] I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

Daniel 7:28

Hitherto [is] the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.