Daniel 8:16

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

Study Bible

And I heard the voice of a man calling
This phrase indicates a supernatural encounter, as Daniel hears a voice that is not immediately visible. In biblical narratives, hearing a voice often signifies divine communication or revelation. This aligns with other instances in Scripture where God or His messengers communicate audibly, such as in the calling of Samuel (1 Samuel 3) or the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:17).

from between the banks of the Ulai:
The Ulai is a river in the region of Susa, an important city in the Persian Empire. This geographical detail situates the vision in a real historical context, as Susa was a significant administrative center during the time of the Medo-Persian Empire. The mention of the Ulai underscores the authenticity and historical grounding of the vision, as Daniel was in Susa when he received it (Daniel 8:2).

“Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.”
Gabriel is one of the few angels named in the Bible, known for delivering important messages from God. His role here is to provide understanding, highlighting the importance of divine interpretation in prophetic visions. Gabriel's involvement connects to other key biblical events, such as the announcement of John the Baptist's birth (Luke 1:19) and the annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). This emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and the role of angels as His messengers. The directive to explain the vision underscores the theme of revelation and understanding, which is central to the prophetic literature.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
The prophet who receives the vision. He is a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God amidst exile in Babylon.

2. Gabriel
An angelic messenger sent by God to explain the vision to Daniel. Gabriel is one of the few angels named in the Bible and often serves as a messenger of important revelations.

3. The Man’s Voice
This voice is authoritative and commands Gabriel to explain the vision. It is often interpreted as the voice of God or a divine figure.

4. Ulai
A river or canal in the region of Susa, where Daniel sees the vision. It situates the vision in a real geographical location, emphasizing its historical context.

5. The Vision
A prophetic revelation given to Daniel, which includes symbolic imagery that requires interpretation.

Teaching Points

The Role of Angels
Angels serve as messengers of God, bringing clarity and understanding to His revelations. This reminds us of God's desire to communicate with His people.

God’s Sovereignty in Revelation
The command for Gabriel to explain the vision underscores God's control over the revelation process. We can trust that God provides understanding in His timing.

The Importance of Understanding
Daniel's experience shows the importance of seeking understanding in spiritual matters. We should pray for wisdom and discernment in our own lives.

Historical Context Matters
The mention of the Ulai river grounds the vision in a specific historical and geographical context, reminding us to consider the original setting of biblical texts.

Divine Communication
God uses various means to communicate with His people, including visions, angels, and scripture. We should be attentive to how God might be speaking to us today.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the presence of Gabriel in this passage teach us about the nature of angelic beings and their role in God's plan?

2. How does understanding the historical and geographical context of the Ulai river enhance our interpretation of this vision?

3. In what ways can we seek and discern God's guidance and revelation in our own lives today?

4. How does the command for Gabriel to explain the vision reflect God's desire for His people to understand His messages?

5. What parallels can we draw between Daniel's experience with divine revelation and the ways God communicates with His people in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 9:21
Gabriel appears again to Daniel, providing further insight into his role as a divine messenger.

Luke 1:19, 26
Gabriel is also the angel who announces the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, highlighting his role in delivering significant messages from God.

Revelation 1:1
The concept of divine revelation and interpretation is echoed in the New Testament, where God reveals His plans through visions and messengers.