Ulai
LocationsGeographical Setting
The Ulai, identified with the modern Dez River, is a waterway in ancient Elam that flows through the capital city of Susa.
What is the meaning of Ulai in the Bible?
The Ulai is a river in the province of Elam that flows through the city of Susa, with its historical course subject to geological changes over time.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of the Ulai provides context for the Book of Daniel, where the river serves as the setting for prophetic visions and divine communication, grounding the narrative in a specific, tangible landscape of the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Ulai (located near modern Shush, Khuzestan Province, Iran) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ulai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ulai clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ulai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ulai/