Definition: And I heard a manâs voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Daniel 8:16. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a prophetic dream that Daniel receives. It's essentially saying that God is communicating with him through a vision. The “man” speaking is Gabriel, who is God’s messenger. Let’s unpack the parts: “Daniel 8…” : This refers to a specific prophecy written by Daniel in the Book of Daniel. “…between [the banks of] Ulai…” : This is important! "Ulai" is a place in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). It’s a very strategic location, and this phrase means that the vision was happening near or in connection with this area. Think of it as a specific spot where God was actively showing Daniel something. “…which called, and said…” : This is Gabriel speaking. He's initiating the communication. “Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision.” : This is the core instruction. Gabriel tells Daniel to interpret (understand) what he’s seeing. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse isn’t just about a single dream. It's a message of foreknowledge and preparation. Here’s how we can think about it: God is planning: Daniel is receiving a vision that reveals God's plan for the future – specifically, regarding a time when a great nation (represented by “this man”) will be strong and prosperous. God is giving instructions: The verse suggests that God is providing information to help guide this nation’s destiny. It’s about understanding His Will: The key takeaway is that this isn't just random imagery. It's a message of understanding what God intends for the future. Important Note: This passage has been interpreted in many different ways over time, and it remains one of the most debated passages in the Bible. There’s no single definitive answer to its meaning. --- To help me explain it even better for you, could you tell me: What are you hoping to learn from this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about its symbolism? Is it related to a specific event in history?)