August 2: WHEN ALL OPPRESSION HAS CEASED…
In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me—to me, Daniel—after the one that appeared to me the first time. Daniel 8:1
Daniel has had two years to ponder the distressing aspects of his vision recorded in chapter 7, which, by the way, added valuable information to the outline of successive empires provided in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of chapter 2. Now Daniel receives another vision from heaven that will add more prophetic details to chapter 7’s account. The vision of chapter 8 actually came to Daniel before Belshazzar’s feast of chapter 5 (the fall of Babylon). Remember that Daniel’s arrangement of his book is topical (history, then prophecy) rather than chronological. Daniel received his second vision in third year of Belshazzar’s reign, 538BC. The end of Belshazzar’s reign is very near at this point. In fact, so near that Daniel’s new vision begins during the time of the next dominant world empire (Medo-Persia).
The lengthy period of papal oppression of the church, 1260 years, shown to Daniel in the previous vision weighed heavily upon his heart. He admitted: “my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed” (7:28). It was surely a time that required extra effort to maintain a cheerful disposition in the day-to-day dealings of his service in the royal palace. But, praise our merciful God that He also permitted Daniel to set his eyes in vision upon the glorious time to come when all oppression has ceased. This is a valuable lesson for every one of God’s people. Even knowing that hard times are ahead, we are to look in faith to the sure fulfillment of the promises of God. How else are we to keep heart in this present evil world if not looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus and the establishment of the unshakeable, everlasting kingdom? Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
“I saw in the vision, and it so happened while I was looking, that I was in Shushan, the citadel, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision that I was by the river Ulai.” Daniel 8:2
Daniel’s whereabouts at the time of his second vision reinforce the historical accuracy of the Bible. Daniel, now in his mid-80s, had been sent to Shushan, the main metropolis of the province of Elam, under Babylonian rule. The viceroy of Shushan had given allegiance to Cyrus the Persian who was leading the military advance against Babylon. Thus, the province of Elam would join the Medes and Persians in the overthrow of Babylon (Isaiah 21:2). Elam had been unduly deprived of certain liberties under Babylon, but regained them under the Medes and Persians (Jeremiah 49:39). The Babylonian kings had established a palace in Shushan. Daniel was on business there in the palace when this second vision came. It was in the vision that [he] was by the river Ulai. This river flowed near Shushan (a.k.a. Susa). From a worldly (political and military) view, Daniel is in a precarious position. But he knows very well to Whom he belongs….
He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous; But they are on the throne with kings, For He has seated them forever, And they are exalted. Job 36:7