  We present a semiclassical nonlinear field equation for the confining field
in 2+1--dimensional $U(1)$ lattice gauge theory (compact QED). The equation is
derived directly from the underlying microscopic quantum Hamiltonian by means
of truncation. Its nonlinearities express the dynamic creation of magnetic
monopole currents leading to the confinement of the electric field between two
static electric charges. We solve the equation numerically and show that it can
be interpreted as a London relation in a dual superconductor.
