Daniel 8:2

KJV

And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I saw {H7200} in a vision {H2377}; and it came to pass, when I saw {H7200}, that I was at Shushan {H7800} in the palace {H1002}, which is in the province {H4082} of Elam {H5867}; and I saw {H7200} in a vision {H2377}, and I was by the river {H180} of Ulai {H195}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I looked into the vision; and as I looked, I found myself in Shushan the capital, in the province of 'Eilam. I looked into the vision, and I was by the Ulai canal.

Berean Standard Bible

And in the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam. I saw in the vision that I was beside the Ulai Canal.

American Standard Version

And I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in Shushan the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:2 inaugurates a profound prophetic vision, detailing the prophet's supernatural relocation to a precise geographical setting to receive a divine revelation concerning the succession of future empires. This verse establishes the authenticity and divine origin of the vision by emphasizing Daniel's repeated "seeing in a vision" and firmly anchors the unfolding prophecy within a tangible historical and geographical context: the ancient city of Shushan, situated within the province of Elam, specifically by the river Ulai. This meticulous setting prepares the reader for the detailed prophecies of the Medo-Persian and Greek empires that follow, powerfully highlighting God's sovereign control over nations and the course of human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:2 immediately follows the conclusion of Daniel's vision of the four beasts in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Vision of the Four Beasts"), which broadly depicted the succession of world empires culminating in the eternal kingdom of God. Chapter 8 shifts to a more focused and detailed prophecy concerning two specific empires—Medo-Persia and Greece—represented by a ram and a goat. The opening verse of chapter 8, "In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first," sets the chronological and thematic stage, indicating that the vision introduced in verse 2 is a distinct, yet related, divine communication. Thus, Daniel 8:2 serves as the precise geographical and experiential introduction to this new, highly detailed prophetic sequence, grounding the supernatural within a concrete, verifiable location before the symbolic imagery begins to unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this vision (c. 550-548 BC), Daniel was likely still in Babylon, serving under the waning Neo-Babylonian Empire. The Medo-Persian Empire, which would soon conquer Babylon, was rapidly rising to prominence. The city of Shushan (Susa), mentioned in the verse, was an ancient city in the Elamite region, located east of Babylon. Historically, it had served as a capital of the Elamite kingdom and would later become one of the prominent capital cities of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great and Darius I, known for its strategic importance on vital trade routes and its fertile plains. The river Ulai (or Eulaeus) was a significant waterway flowing near Shushan, providing essential water and facilitating transport. Daniel's supernatural placement in Shushan, a future capital of the empire that would succeed Babylon, is highly significant, as the vision itself concerns the rise and fall of the Medo-Persian and Greek empires, directly linking the prophetic content to its historical fulfillment in a geographically relevant setting.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates the theme of **Divine Revelation and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God directly communicates His plans for human history to His chosen servants. The repeated phrase "I saw in a vision" underscores that this knowledge is not human speculation but divinely imparted truth, a concept echoed in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants"). Secondly, the precise geographical details of Shushan, Elam, and the Ulai river highlight the theme of **Historical Specificity and Fulfillment**. By anchoring the vision in real-world locations, the prophecy gains credibility and prepares the reader for its literal historical outworking, demonstrating God's meticulous control over the rise and fall of nations, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, as Daniel is placed in the future capital of the Medo-Persian Empire, which is the primary subject of the vision that immediately follows, setting the stage for the detailed symbolic narrative of the ram and the goat in [Daniel 8:3-8](/daniel/8-3-8 "Daniel 8:3-8 - Vision of the Ram and Goat").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** H7200. A primitive root meaning "to see," literally or figuratively. In this context, it denotes a direct visual perception of a divine manifestation, emphasizing the active reception of a prophetic revelation rather than a passive dream. The repetition of this verb ("And I saw... when I saw... and I saw") intensifies the reality and vividness of Daniel's experience, underscoring the authenticity and clarity of the vision's divine origin.
* **vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** H2377. Derived from the root "to see," this noun refers to a sight, specifically a prophetic revelation, dream, or oracle. It signifies a divinely granted insight into future events or spiritual realities, often accompanied by a profound spiritual experience. The use of _châzôwn_ here distinguishes Daniel's experience from ordinary dreams, marking it as an authoritative, God-given revelation that demands attention and belief.
* **Shushan (Hebrew, _Shûwshan'_):** H7800. A proper noun referring to the city of Susa, a significant ancient city in Persia. Its mention here is crucial for grounding the vision geographically and historically. Shushan was one of the capital cities of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, directly linking the setting of Daniel's vision to the empire that would soon dominate the ancient Near East and be a primary subject of the prophecy in Daniel 8. This specific detail enhances the prophecy's credibility and foreshadows its historical fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the supernatural nature of Daniel's experience. The repetition of "I saw" (Hebrew, _râʼâh_) and the explicit mention of "in a vision" (Hebrew, _châzôwn_) serve to emphasize the divine origin and authoritative character of the revelation. This is not a dream or a mere thought, but a direct, divinely orchestrated perception of future events, underscoring the reliability and certainty of the prophecy that follows.
* **"that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam":** This clause provides the precise geographical setting for Daniel's visionary experience. While Daniel was physically in Babylon, he was supernaturally transported in his vision to Shushan (Susa), a future capital of the Persian Empire. The "palace" (Hebrew, _bîyrâh_, H1002) suggests a place of royal authority and significance, further highlighting the political and historical relevance of the location. Shushan's placement within the "province of Elam" (Hebrew, _mᵉdîynâh_, H4082, and _ʻÊylâm_, H5867) anchors the vision in a verifiable, historically significant region, emphasizing the tangible reality of the empires God would reveal.
* **"and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai":** This final clause reiterates the visionary nature of the experience and further refines the geographical location within Shushan. The repetition of "I saw in a vision" reinforces the divine source and the prophet's active reception of it. Being "by the river of Ulai" (Hebrew, _ʼûwbâl_, H180, and _ʼÛwlay_, H195) adds another layer of specific detail, making the setting even more concrete and verifiable. This precision in location serves to authenticate the prophecy, linking the symbolic vision to real-world geography where future events would unfold, lending credibility to the extraordinary divine communication.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:2 employs several key literary devices to underscore the significance of the vision. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the phrase "I saw in a vision" appearing twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the divine origin and supernatural nature of Daniel's experience, affirming that the revelation is not a product of human imagination but a direct, authoritative communication from God. This also lends a sense of urgency and importance to the vision. **Setting** is another crucial device; the meticulous naming of Shushan, Elam, and the Ulai river provides a concrete and historically verifiable backdrop for the abstract prophetic imagery that follows. This precise geographical detail functions as **Foreshadowing**, as Shushan would become a key capital of the Persian Empire, the very empire that forms the initial focus of the vision. The detailed geographical description also serves as a form of **Realism**, grounding the extraordinary supernatural event in a tangible, recognizable world, thereby enhancing the prophecy's credibility and its connection to actual historical unfolding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:2 powerfully testifies to God's absolute sovereignty over human history and His meticulous plan for the ages. It reveals that God is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes in the affairs of nations, orchestrating their rise and fall according to His divine purpose. The detailed geographical setting underscores that God's prophecies are not vague pronouncements but precise declarations with real-world implications and historical fulfillment. This verse invites believers to trust in God's overarching plan, even when world events seem chaotic, knowing that He holds the future in His hands and graciously reveals His secrets to His servants. It instills confidence that God's Word is reliable and His purposes will ultimately prevail.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Revelation 1:1-2](/revelation/1-1-2 "Revelation 1:1-2 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20-21 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Came Through the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:2 reminds us that God is actively engaged in the unfolding of history, even amidst political turmoil and shifting empires. For Daniel, a captive in a foreign land, this vision provided profound assurance of God's continued control and His ultimate plan for the nations. For us today, this verse offers immense comfort and a compelling call to faith. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate circumstances of our world—the conflicts, the political shifts, the uncertainties—and to recognize that a sovereign God is meticulously at work, orchestrating events according to His eternal purposes. This divine perspective liberates us from anxiety and empowers us to live with steadfast hope, knowing that God's Word is true and His promises will be fulfilled. It also challenges us to be attentive to how God reveals His truth, whether through the inspired Scriptures, through prayer, or through the unfolding of history itself, and to respond with obedience, trust, and a willingness to participate in His divine plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of Daniel's vision in terms of location (Shushan, Elam, Ulai) strengthen your faith in the accuracy and reliability of God's prophetic Word?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God is sovereign over the rise and fall of nations impact your perspective on current global events and future uncertainties?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's ongoing revelation in your own life and in the world around you, leading to deeper trust and more faithful living?**

### FAQ
**Why was Daniel supernaturally transported to Shushan in the vision, rather than remaining in Babylon?**

Answer: Daniel's supernatural transportation to Shushan (Susa) in the vision is highly symbolic and prophetically significant. While he was physically in Babylon, Shushan was destined to become one of the capital cities of the Medo-Persian Empire, which is the primary focus of the vision in [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Vision of the Ram and Goat"). By placing Daniel in this future capital, the vision immediately connects the prophetic revelation to the specific geographical and political context of the empires it describes. It emphasizes the historical accuracy and future fulfillment of the prophecy, grounding the supernatural experience in real-world locations that would be central to the unfolding events. This detail serves to authenticate the vision and underscore God's precise knowledge of future history, demonstrating that His plans are anchored in the tangible realities of human geopolitical shifts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 8:2 directly sets the stage for visions of earthly empires, its underlying theme of divine revelation and God's sovereign control over history finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "vision" Daniel received, a direct insight into God's future plans, foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God in the person of Jesus, who is the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as Daniel was supernaturally placed in Shushan to witness future events, so too did God, in the fullness of time, send His Son into the world at a specific historical and geographical juncture to accomplish His redemptive plan ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")). The temporary empires Daniel saw rise and fall ultimately point to the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God established by Christ, a kingdom that will never be destroyed but will stand forever ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")). Jesus, as the "Alpha and the Omega," is the one who holds all history in His hands, bringing God's prophetic purposes to their glorious culmination and ensuring that every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega") and [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, Daniel's vision, grounded in a specific earthly location, ultimately points beyond earthly kingdoms to the universal and everlasting reign of the Lamb of God.

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

Nehemiah 1:1

¶ The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

Esther 1:2

[That] in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which [was] in Shushan the palace,

Genesis 10:22

The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

Genesis 14:1

¶ And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

Esther 2:8

So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.

Ezekiel 32:24

There [is] Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Jeremiah 25:25

And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes,