U'lai is a river mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Daniel. It is associated with a significant prophetic vision experienced by the prophet Daniel. The U'lai River is identified with the modern-day Karun River, which flows through the region of ancient Elam, now part of southwestern Iran.

Biblical Reference:

The U'lai River is mentioned in Daniel 8:2: "In the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal."

Historical and Geographical Context:

The U'lai River, or the Karun, was a prominent waterway in the ancient Near East, flowing through the region of Elam. Susa, the citadel mentioned in Daniel's vision, was a significant city in the Persian Empire and served as one of its capitals. The river played a crucial role in the irrigation and agriculture of the area, contributing to the prosperity and strategic importance of Susa.

Prophetic Significance:

In Daniel's vision by the U'lai River, he witnesses a ram with two horns, which is later interpreted by the angel Gabriel as representing the kings of Media and Persia (Daniel 8:20). This vision is part of a larger prophetic narrative concerning the rise and fall of empires, illustrating God's sovereignty over the course of history. The location by the U'lai River underscores the connection to the Persian Empire, which was a dominant power during Daniel's time.

Theological Implications:

The vision at the U'lai River highlights the theme of divine revelation and the unfolding of God's plan through history. It serves as a reminder of God's control over nations and His ability to reveal future events to His prophets. The imagery of the ram and subsequent visions in the Book of Daniel emphasize the transient nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to the eternal kingdom of God.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological discoveries in the region of ancient Susa have provided insights into the historical context of Daniel's vision. Excavations have revealed the grandeur of the Persian Empire, including palaces and administrative centers that align with the biblical description of Susa as a significant city. These findings corroborate the historical setting of Daniel's vision and enhance our understanding of the biblical narrative.

In summary, the U'lai River serves as a geographical anchor for one of Daniel's pivotal visions, linking the prophetic message to the historical and cultural context of the Persian Empire. The vision by the U'lai underscores the overarching biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.U'lai (2 Occurrences)

Daniel 8:2
I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai.
(See RSV)

Daniel 8:16
I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
(See RSV)

U'lai (2 Occurrences)
U'lai. Ulai, U'lai. Ulam . Multi-Version Concordance U'lai (2 Occurrences).
Daniel 8:2 I saw in the vision; now it was so, that ...
/u/u'lai.htm - 6k

Ulai (2 Occurrences)
... u'-li, u'-lai ('ubhal 'ulay, "river Ulai"; Theodotion Daniel 8:2, Oubal, the Septuagint
and Theodotion in 8:16, Oulai Latin, Eulaeus): 1. The Name and Its Forms ...
/u/ulai.htm - 9k

Ulam (4 Occurrences)

/u/ulam.htm - 8k

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