Daniel 8:16

And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision.

And I heard {H8085} a man's {H120} voice {H6963} between the banks of Ulai {H195}, which called {H7121}, and said {H559}, Gabriel {H1403}, make this {H1975} man to understand {H995} the vision {H4758}.

I heard a human voice calling from between the banks of the Ulai, "Gavri'el, make this man understand the vision!"

And I heard the voice of a man calling from between the banks of the Ulai: “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.”

And I heard a man’s voice betweenthe banks ofthe Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

Commentary

Daniel 8:16 marks a pivotal moment in Daniel's prophetic experience, as divine intervention is explicitly commanded to provide understanding of the profound vision he has just witnessed.

Context

This verse immediately follows Daniel's bewildering vision of a ram and a goat, symbolizing the rise and fall of great empires (Daniel 8:3-8). Daniel was physically located near the Ulai River, a significant geographical marker in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). Overwhelmed by the complexity and implications of what he saw, Daniel was in desperate need of divine illumination. The "man's voice" heard here is widely understood to be a higher angelic authority or even the voice of God Himself, issuing a direct command to the angel Gabriel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Interpretation: The verse highlights God's intent to not merely show prophetic events but also to ensure His servants comprehend them. It underscores the divine initiative in providing understanding of complex spiritual truths.
  • The Role of Angels as Messengers: Gabriel is specifically tasked with the duty of interpretation. This reinforces the biblical portrayal of angels as active agents in God's plan, often serving as intermediaries to deliver messages and understanding to humanity. His role here is crucial for Daniel's comprehension of future events, particularly concerning the Persian and Grecian empires.
  • God's Compassion for His Servants: Recognizing Daniel's distress and confusion, God immediately dispatches an interpreter, demonstrating His care for those who seek to understand His will.

Linguistic Insights

The name Gabriel (Hebrew: גַּבְרִיאֵל, Gavri'el) means "God is my strength" or "man of God." This meaning aligns perfectly with his role as a powerful messenger who brings divine revelation and strength through understanding. He is one of the few angels specifically named in the Bible and consistently appears in roles involving significant divine announcements and interpretations, such as his appearances to Daniel in chapter 9, and to Zacharias and Mary in the New Testament.

Practical Application

This verse offers comfort and instruction for believers today. Just as Daniel needed help to understand the profound prophecies, we too often require divine assistance to grasp spiritual truths and navigate the complexities of life. It reminds us that:

  • God desires for us to understand His Word and His plans. When we earnestly seek wisdom and understanding, He provides it, often through His Spirit or through those He sends to teach us.
  • There are spiritual forces, like angels, at work in the world, carrying out God's will and ministering to believers (Hebrews 1:14).
  • Even in our moments of confusion or distress over difficult circumstances or prophecies, we can trust that God is willing to illuminate our minds and provide clarity, just as He did for Daniel.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 1:26 (6 votes)

    ¶ And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

  • Luke 1:19 (5 votes)

    And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

  • Daniel 12:5 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.

  • Daniel 12:7 (4 votes)

    And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

  • Daniel 8:2 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 22:16 (3 votes)

    I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

  • Hebrews 1:14 (3 votes)

    Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?