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 phrase "And I heard" indicates a direct auditory experience, emphasizing the personal and vivid nature of Daniel's vision. In the Hebrew text, the word for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and perceiving. This suggests that Daniel was not merely a passive observer but an active participant in receiving divine revelation. The act of hearing in biblical terms often signifies obedience and readiness to act upon God's word.

a man’s voice
The "man’s voice" is a significant detail, as it suggests a divine or angelic presence. In biblical literature, a "man" often represents an angelic being, as seen in other visions and encounters. The voice is authoritative, indicating a message of great importance. This aligns with the biblical theme of God using messengers to communicate His will to humanity.

calling from between the banks of the Ulai
The "Ulai" is a river mentioned in the context of Daniel's vision, likely referring to a canal near the ancient city of Susa. This geographical detail roots the vision in a real-world setting, providing historical context. The Ulai's mention underscores the authenticity and specificity of the vision, suggesting that God's messages are grounded in reality and history.

Gabriel
Gabriel is one of the few angels named in the Bible, known for delivering messages of great significance. The name "Gabriel" means "God is my strength," highlighting the divine authority and power behind the message. Gabriel's role in explaining visions underscores the importance of understanding and interpreting divine revelations accurately.

explain the vision
The command to "explain the vision" indicates the necessity of interpretation in understanding divine messages. The Hebrew root for "explain" is "בִּין" (bin), which means to discern or understand. This reflects the biblical principle that God's revelations often require insight and wisdom to comprehend fully. It also emphasizes God's desire for His people to understand His plans and purposes.

to this man
The phrase "to this man" personalizes the message, showing that God’s revelations are directed to individuals with specific purposes. It highlights Daniel's role as a prophet and the recipient of divine wisdom. This personal address underscores the intimate relationship between God and His chosen messengers, reflecting the biblical theme of God’s personal involvement in the lives of His people.

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.