Daniel 8:2

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Daniel 8:2 opens the prophet's profound eighth chapter, immediately setting the stage for one of his most significant prophetic visions. This verse establishes both the supernatural origin of the revelation and its specific geographical setting, grounding the coming prophecy in a tangible, historical context.

Context

At the time of this vision, Daniel was likely still in Babylon, serving under the Babylonian (or early Medo-Persian) empire. However, in this vision, he is supernaturally transported to Shushan (also known as Susa), a strategically important city that would later become one of the capital cities of the Persian Empire. This detail is crucial because the vision itself concerns the rise and fall of the Medo-Persian and Greek empires. Shushan was located in the ancient province of Elam, east of Babylon, highlighting the vast geographical scope of the empires Daniel would prophesy about. His presence "by the river of Ulai" further specifies the location within Shushan, rooting the supernatural vision in verifiable geography relevant to future events.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The repeated phrase "I saw in a vision" emphatically underscores that the information Daniel receives is not from human understanding but is a direct, supernatural revelation from God. This emphasizes the authoritative and divinely inspired nature of the prophecy, aligning with how God reveals future events to His servants, as seen in Amos 3:7.
  • Geographical Significance: The precise mention of Shushan, Elam, and the river Ulai is not mere detail but serves to anchor the prophecy in real-world locations that would become central to the unfolding of these empires. It prepares the reader for the historical fulfillment of the vision.
  • Prophetic Setting: By placing Daniel in Shushan, the vision implicitly connects him to the future capital of the empire that would succeed Babylon, foreshadowing the Medo-Persian Empire's rise and the subsequent events detailed in the chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "vision" used here is chazon (חָזוֹן), which refers to a prophetic revelation, often received through direct sight or appearance. It emphasizes the active seeing and perceiving of divine communication, distinguishing it from a mere dream. This term consistently highlights the authoritative and divinely inspired nature of Daniel's experiences.

Practical Application

Daniel 8:2 reminds us that God is sovereign over history and geography. Even when His people are in exile or facing uncertain futures, God reveals His plans and purposes. For believers today, this verse encourages faith that God's hand is at work in world events, even those that seem chaotic or unpredictable. Just as Daniel's visions prepared him for future empires, so too does God's Word prepare us to understand His overarching plan, leading us to trust in His ultimate control and the fulfillment of His promises, including the promise of a new heaven and new earth.

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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

  • Nehemiah 1:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • Genesis 10:22 (4 votes)

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

  • Genesis 14:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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