Daniel 8:1
In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Belshazzar ruled as co-regent with his father Nabonidus from approximately 553-539 BC. While Nabonidus campaigned in Arabia, Belshazzar governed Babylon, explaining why Daniel could only be made 'third ruler' (5:16)—after Nabonidus and Belshazzar. The third year of Belshazzar's reign occurred during a relatively peaceful period before Cyrus the Persian's rapid conquests.
This vision came about thirteen years after Nebuchadnezzar's death (562 BC) and eight years before Babylon's fall (539 BC). Daniel, now in his seventies, had witnessed Babylon's zenith under Nebuchadnezzar and was about to see its collapse under Belshazzar. His prophetic role continued across multiple administrations, demonstrating God's faithfulness to preserve His servants through changing political circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's pattern of progressive revelation—giving Daniel multiple visions over time—encourage patient, systematic Bible study?
- What does Daniel's reception of visions during political decline teach us about God's sovereignty over seemingly chaotic historical transitions?
- How should the fulfilled prophecies in Daniel strengthen our confidence in yet-unfulfilled biblical predictions?
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase "in the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar" provides precise chronological context, dating this vision to approximately 551 BC, two years after Daniel's first vision in chapter 7. The Hebrew phrase nir'ah elai (נִרְאָה אֵלַי, "appeared unto me") emphasizes the supernatural, divine origin of this revelation—not Daniel's imagination but God's sovereign disclosure of future events.
This second vision ("after that which appeared unto me at the first") builds upon and clarifies the earlier prophecy, demonstrating progressive revelation's principle. God doesn't reveal everything at once but unfolds His purposes gradually, requiring patient study and comparison of Scripture with Scripture. Daniel's privileged position as recipient of divine visions marks him as a true prophet, authenticated by fulfilled predictions.
Theologically, this verse establishes that God sovereignly controls history's unfolding. He reveals future kingdoms and conflicts not to satisfy curiosity but to strengthen His people's faith through trials. The vision comes during Babylon's reign yet predicts successive empires, demonstrating God's transcendence over all earthly powers. This points to Christ, the ultimate Prophet who perfectly reveals the Father's will and brings all prophecy to fulfillment.