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Q4. (Daniel 9:15-19) What was Daniel's essential prayer? What are the various grounds of Daniel's appeal? How did God answer the prayer (see Daniel 9:20-23)? From the Scriptures Daniel had found out what God had promised and had prayed according to the will of God. He came before God reverently, patiently, and penitently. We see Daniel coming before God as a humble man seeking the great and mighty God, at the same time overcome with a sense of sin which he confesses. In this confession he associates himself with the nation to which he belongs, and therefore confesses the sins of the whole nation. It is not a general confession but one in which he details all the wrongdoings that have been done against God. He acknowledges that it is for this reason that they have been exiled, and that God acted righteously in punishing them. Their present predicament and punishment is the fulfilment of a Divine promise of what would happen if they turned their back on Him. However, in this great prayer we also see that he came to God trusting in His mercy. Daniel's appeals were based on the character of God: His greatness, His glory, His awesomeness, His faithfulness, His righteousness, His forgiveness, His mercies. God answered the prayer by sending Gabriel, while Daniel’s lips were still moving in prayer. Gabriel told Daniel that God thinks highly of him and that from the very first moment that he began to pray heaven had been listening! He then gave Daniel an outline of the future history of the Jewish nation under the figure of seventy weeks.

Q3. (Daniel 9:5) Since Daniel is such a righteous man in his generation, why does he identify himself with the sins of his people? He didn't commit these sins. How does this compare to how Jesus sought forgiveness for His people? Daniel admits ‘we have sinned’ thereby including himself among the offenders, even though he had not rebelled against God. Despite having a close relationship with God, he still counted himself as a sinner in need of forgiveness – he knew he was not without sin. He mentions each sin specifically: wickedness, rebellion, disobedience, immorality, and the refusal to listen to God’s prophets. Our Saviour Jesus, who was without sin, took all the sins of the world upon Himself. Unlike Daniel, Jesus could forgive sin. Daniel could only identify himself with their sins and plead for forgiveness on their behalf.

Q2. (Daniel 9:3-4a) What is Daniel's demeanour as he prays? How does he prepare? Why is this so important in this case? In what ways might you and I prepare for intercession? His behaviour is one of humility. Daniel is down on his face before God, and he appeals to God in a very personal way – calling Him, My God. Turning to God with a prayer of confession and petition. In preparing to pray, the wearing of sackcloth and ashes, coupled with fasting, was evidence of mourning in grief or repentance. To Daniel these acts of self-denial were essential parts of a disciplined prayer life. Almost like in our world today of no pain no gain. In the same way as Daniel, we come before God in solemn humility; in a very personal way - calling Him our Heavenly Father.

Q1. (Daniel 9:1-2) What encourages Daniel to seek God for the forgiveness and restoration of Israel to its homeland? What practice on Daniel's part leads him to pray? During Daniel’s study of Jeremiah’s prophecy, he realized that the 70 years of captivity was almost at an end. We read earlier (Daniel 2:17-18; 6:10) that Daniel was a man of prayer. He always prayed in times of crisis which was part of his disciplined prayers. But now he has calculated that this is a critical time for God’s people – Jeremiah’s prophesy is about to be fulfilled. It was due to his regular times of study, meditation, and prayer that he became aware of this; leading him to pray earnestly.

Q3. (Daniel 7:18, 22, 27) Three times the angel assures Daniel that "the saints of the Most-High" will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:18, 22, and 27). In what circumstances is this truth most precious to God's people? Though there may have been partial fulfilments, when do you expect the ultimate fulfilment? All believers, through all the ages, who are redeemed by the atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and their faith in Almighty God, will inherit the final kingdom. We read in Daniel 7:18 that God the Most-High, will give His kingdom to His chosen ones, and it will be theirs forever and ever. What a great promise this is! All believers will inherit the eternal heavenly kingdom of God where they will rule and reign with the Lord Jesus in His administration. This will happen with the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus. God will present the earth to His faithful followers, and all creation will dwell under the perfect authority of Christ Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Christ’s reign over the earth will mark the end of time, as the world now exists, and will precede the final judgment of mankind, which begins the new earth and the new heaven prepared by God as the eternal dwelling of all believers.

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe "one like a son of man"? What makes us think he is a divine figure? What authority and glory does he receive? Why do you think Jesus called himself "the Son of Man"? These verses describe the ‘Son of Man’ (Jesus Christ, the Messiah) being brought into the presence of the ‘Ancient of Days’ (God), and all authority, glory, and sovereign power being conferred on Him. This all is in keeping with the promise God made to the Son in Psalm 2:6, and will be fulfilled at Jesus’ Second Coming, as in Matthew 24:30. This all happens in the clouds which is characteristic of Divine events we read in numerous Scriptures. Jesus called Himself the ‘Son of Man’ as it accurately describes who He is as depicted in these verses. It also suited His ministry, while on earth, avoiding conflicts with His enemies, which would occur if He called Himself the Son of God.

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe "one like a son of man"? What makes us think he is a divine figure? What authority and glory does he receive? Why do you think Jesus called himself "the Son of Man"? These verses describe the ‘Son of Man’ (Jesus Christ, the Messiah) being brought into the presence of the ‘Ancient of Days’ (God), and all authority, glory, and sovereign power being conferred on Him. This all is in keeping with the promise God made to the Son in Psalm 2:6, and will be fulfilled at Jesus’ Second Coming, as in Matthew 24:30. This all happens in the clouds which is characteristic of Divine events we read in numerous Scriptures. Jesus called Himself the ‘Son of Man’ as it accurately describes who He is as depicted in these verses. It also suited His ministry, while on earth, avoiding conflicts with His enemies, which would occur if He called Himself the Son of God.

Q1. (Daniel 7:1-2) What is the relationship of the Ancient of Days (God) to the various beastly nations that rage against each other and against Him and His people? What happens to these beast-nations? Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? In this Scripture, we see that God reveals facts about history in advance, and something of His own awesome and glorious purposes. He is control and judgment of the four nations represented by the beasts will take place. Finally, the fourth beast was killed and its body destroyed by fire. The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer. There is so much evil and wickedness present in the world today, that it might seem that God is not in control. But all true believers know that is not true. In 1 John 5:19 we read: “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” But ultimately it is God who is the all-powerful Creator who preserves and governs everything in the universes.

Q6. (Daniel 5:22-24) In the New Testament, Jesus doesn't present God as legalistic, but as holy - "hallowed be thy name." We are to be God-fearers. How do Christians commonly act irreverently in ways that would offend God? How have you changed your ways to conform to God's holiness? God is holy, perfect, and pure deserving our reverence. Hebrews 12:28b: “... let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe”. Christians commonly act irreverently towards God by not showing love and respect for Him and His Word. We are told in Exodus 20:7: Do not misuse my name. I am the LORD your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name. Taking God’s name in vain is forbidden. Yet, we speak about Him in many careless ways and use His name as a swear word. We see this especially with Jesus Christ where His name is used as a swear word so often in our films today. To avoid punishment, we should respect his name and use it appropriately, speaking it in praise and worship rather than in curse or jest. We should not act take lightly the abuse or dishonour of his name. The way we use God's name conveys how we really feel about him. Another way to act irreverently toward God is by disobeying His commands. Jesus said in John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will obey what I command.” This is accentuated in Deuteronomy 6:5: “So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength”. Our actions and speech reflect our irreverence to God. If this is true we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us with a change of attitude. Finally, we are to worship God with reverence.

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar's confession tell us about God? Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? What might your testimony sound like? We read that Nebuchadnezzar eventually acknowledges God’s supremacy, and confesses that Jehovah is the only true eternal God. Finally admitting that every person on earth lives under subjection to God’s sovereign will, and that God does not rely on man’s approval to accomplish His plans. Yes, I often testify about how God has always been there for me. He was guided and protected me over all the years. This most often only becomes apparent many years after the event. He always knows what is best for me, and the trials I have been subjected to were there as an aid to further transform me into His image. Our gracious Lord uses these adversities to correct us, to restore us, and to strengthen our faith in Him. Sometimes we might even feel that He has abandoned us, or we may even begin to doubt His love for us. But ultimately it is all done for our good. “The Lord disciplines everyone he loves. He severely disciplines everyone he accepts as his child” (Hebrews 12:6).

Q4. (Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar's life? In what ways does it show up in your life? Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? We see Nebuchadnezzar bragging about his own accomplishments. While walking in his palace, he arrogantly boasted, “Just look at this wonderful capital city that I have built by my own power and for my own glory!" (4:30). He was obsessed with his own magnificence. We know that he had achieved many great things during his reign, but he did not recognize God in these accomplishments, nor was any of these things done to glorify God. Humility requires the lowering or lessening of oneself – traits which the king never displayed. I also battle sometimes with the sin of pride. Boasting about my own achievements – as if anything can be done without the help of my Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We get lured into thinking we can do things without God, and we land up depending on ourselves rather than on God. Pride also undermines our faith. We don’t have that close relationship with our Lord Jesus. We tend to forget that all things are in God's hands; from the breath we breathe to the very next heart beat – we live moment by moment depending on Him. Sometimes we cover our pride with a false humility, but this is easily exposed.

Q3. (Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar's ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? In what way can God's decrees be conditional? Daniel advises Nebuchadnezzar to repent of his sin so that judgment might be avoided. He was urged to turn from his sinful pride and produce fruits of righteousness - acts which stem from a heart that is submissive to God. By giving to the poor would demonstrate this change of heart and display the king’s sincerity. We must remember that God holds all rulers responsible for meeting His moral standards in governing. If the king shows mercy to the poor and weak, he shall receive mercy from God. In the same way we are to confess our sins and turn completely away from our sinful behaviour. It is an absolute surrender to our Lord and we are to live acknowledging Him in everything we do. There are many examples in Scripture that show us that God is a God of grace and mercy. Ezekiel 33:11a is an example: “Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live”. It is the same today with people who have lost all hope and are in a state of despair. All is not lost, there is still hope for the worst sinner. God reminds us that He will pardon a wicked man who confesses and forsakes his sin, but He will punish a righteous man who turns to wickedness.

Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? Nebuchadnezzar was urged to acknowledge God’s sovereignty - His supremacy over all. It is extremely difficult for a king to humble himself and acknowledge that Heaven rules - especially for a king like Nebuchadnezzar who ruled over nearly the whole known world. He was so accustomed to getting his way, his every wish was granted, and he was idolized here on earth. He had power over life and death. Like most monarchs of the time he ruled as an absolute dictator, often with unfairness, and with violence in dealing with his subjects. But we see him being humbled into submission to God’s authority because he had refused to recognize that it was God that had granted him his position and power. Daniel had warned the king about impending hard times if he fails to acknowledge God’s supremacy. This was ignored as he refused to humble himself, and he credited himself with the prosperity of the empire. With us it is the same – very hard to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. Humility requires the lowering or lessening of oneself. This however, goes against our sinful and prideful nature and we therefore refuse to be brought down and diminished in our importance. In fact, we are so self-centred - it is all about us. We even think we deserve more – more happiness, financial prosperity, and freedom. This all is our so called right! A prideful heart is a form of idolatry because it places the individual on a pedestal glorifying self without recognizing God’s authority over everything and everyone. We need to humble ourselves and acknowledge our Heavenly Father in everything we do. We need to remember the Word: “Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honour. Proverbs 18:12; and “A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honour. Proverbs 29:23. God gives us the opportunity to humble ourselves, but we can be assured that if we, like Nebuchadnezzar, continue in our stubborn self-absorption, either through direct or indirect circumstances, God Himself will humble us.

Q1. (Daniel 4:10-20) Is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream? Why? Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brothers and sisters? What can we do about it? The Holy Spirit must have given Daniel the meaning of the dream almost at once. I don’t think Daniel was afraid to interpret the dream; he was more concerned about the consequences this would have on the king and on himself, and his fellow Jews. He realized that the dream’s interpretation would displease the king and he must have been momentarily dumbfounded about what he had to tell the king. Daniel must have become attached to Nebuchadnezzar and now he had to pronounce this awesome and terrifying judgment upon this man who had treated him justly and had even promoted him to a position of great influence. When it comes to being honest with fellow believers, I feel that a truly good friend will openly correct you. (Psalm 27:5). It is better to correct or reproof than being too timid to say the needed thing. For if done in the right way and for the right reasons it is an act of love. We read in Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body”. Keeping quite is no love at all.

Q1. (Daniel 4:10-20) Is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream? Why? Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brothers and sisters? What can we do about it? The Holy Spirit must have given Daniel the meaning of the dream almost at once. I don’t think Daniel was afraid to interpret the dream; he was more concerned about the consequences this would have on the king and on himself, and his fellow Jews. He realized that the dream’s interpretation would displease the king and he must have been momentarily dumbfounded about what he had to tell the king. Daniel must have become attached to Nebuchadnezzar and now he had to pronounce this awesome and terrifying judgment upon this man who had treated him justly and had even promoted him to a position of great influence. When it comes to being honest with fellow believers, I feel that a truly good friend will openly correct you. (Psalm 27:5). It is better to correct or reproof than being too timid to say the needed thing. For if done in the right way and for the right reasons it is an act of love. We read in Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body”. Keeping quite is no love at all.

Q7. (Daniel 6:21-23) How does Daniel use his experience in the lions' den to testify about God? What might have happened if, in his response to the king, Daniel had focused on the injustice done to him? What experience in your life might you use as a testimony of God's mercy to you? Daniel was not just alive but was altogether unharmed. Daniel used this to testify about God’s awesome power in protecting his life. The king acknowledges this power of God and as a result, which we read later in verse 6:26, that he issues a decree to all peoples, nations, and languages honouring the God of Daniel. Daniel was clever enough not to focus on the injustice done to him. He knew the king had done it with reluctance, having been tricked into allowing it. So he forgives the king and wishes him health, long life, and prosperity. About 6 years ago I was held up in an armed robbery. I had a loaded gun pointed at my head, and was made to lie down while being kicked about. Yet, through all this, I was so aware of the presence of our Lord Jesus, and experienced an absolute peace, which even to this day I cannot describe. I know it was only by the grace and mercy of God that I’m alive today.

Q6. (Daniel 6:10-11) How would you characterize Daniel's prayer practices? Which of these have you adopted? Which might help your prayers if you adopted them? We can see that Daniel was a man of prayer. It was his custom to pray privately with his window open towards Jerusalem. I would think that this might have helped him, as an exile, to stay focused on the power and promises of God that were symbolized by Jerusalem. He humbled himself before God by kneeling with a bowed head. We also notice that he was extremely disciplined in his prayers by praying regularly three times a day. His prayers included both thanksgiving and intercession or supplication. Acknowledging God’s goodness to him, and seeking God’s guidance and help. He never made any attempt to hide his devotion to or his dependence on God. He was not ashamed of our Lord, even in such a hostile environment. I feel I have a lot to learn from Daniel about his discipline in prayer. The prayer practices I adhere to are praying daily and privately early each morning. During the day I acknowledge our Lord Jesus in everything I do; so I’m communicating with Him most of the time. Before praying I realize that I’m totally helpless, and totally dependent on God. It is also when praying for others that I’m again reminded that we ourselves rely on the grace of God. I always pray with thanksgiving and praising our Heavenly Father for who He is. I should perhaps be praying more often by coming humbly before Him on my knees.

Q5. (Daniel 6:4) What do we learn about Daniel's character qualities as a government official from verse 4? How do such qualities reflect on Daniel's God? Does your employer or supervisor see those qualities in you? From verse 4 we learn that Daniel was honest and faithful and did everything he was asked to do. These character qualities of loyalty and integrity must have stemmed from his right relationship with God. The other government officials were jealous of him, but could not find anything to accuse him of. This must have frustrated them to no end, and the only way to destroy him was by fabricating something between him and his God. I have been retired now for many years, and hopefully some of these character qualities were seen in me.

Q4. (Daniel 3:28-30) How does Nebuchadnezzar sum up their faith and commitment? Are you willing to disobey a command or law to be faithful to God? Are you willing to lay down your life to be faithful to God? What might hold you back? Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed with their commitment and trust in God that he forbade anyone to speak against the God of the Jews and promoted the three men in the province of Babylon. All this in spite of them having disobeyed his earlier command. No, I most definitely will not obey any command or law that goes against my Lord. I trust Him fully and try to live by the Word as exampled in Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. In almost all things I acknowledge Him. However, I hope I never have to make that decision about laying down my life to be faithful to God. I am too scared that I might fail my Lord.

Q3. (Daniel 3:19-27) What effect does their deliverance have on their government official colleagues? What effect does it have on the king? What kind of glory does God receive? The government officials crowded around the three and could not believe that they were not harmed in any way. I think the king was more impressed by the miraculous – it must have astonished him. He must have realized that these men had not only been rescued, but also that they had been divinely protected - their hair had not been singed, and even their garments were not scorched. We see that he showed little or no interest in the God they trusted, but more in the sheer power of God. Our Lord delivered these men in a way we cannot imagine, but in a way that glorified His name. This demonstrates to us that we can walk confidently into fiery trials because God Himself stands with us in the midst of the fire. All this reminds me of Isaiah 43:2b: When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. And 43:5a: Do not be afraid, for I am with you.

Q2. (Daniel 3:16-18) How do the Jews answer Nebuchadnezzar? What is their attitude? How do they witness about their God? Do they face death with resignation or defiance? Characterize their faith. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, boldly answered Nebuchadnezzar that they refuse to worship his gods or bow to his golden idol. They must have known that their response would not please him, and would most probably land them in serious trouble; perhaps even death. Yet they were not afraid to answer the king truthfully. This showed their absolute confidence in God, even stating that the God they worship can save them from the king and his flaming furnace. But even if He does not they will still not worship his gods or the gold statue. They knew that God demanded implicit obedience and had forbidden them to worship any other gods or idols. Obeying God was more important than life to these three, so if God chose not to deliver them, they would still obey Him. They faced death fully trusting in the LORD - for obeying Him was of the utmost importance to them. This demonstrated their unconditional faith in whatever God’s will was for their lives.

Q1. (Daniel 3:8-15) Why do the Jews' fellow government officials report them to Nebuchadnezzar? Why is the king so angry? What is his motivation to have people bow to the statue? These government officials despised the Jewish captives who had been promoted to higher positions of authority in the government. They were jealous of foreigners getting better positions than the local, loyal citizens. The king is angry because these Jews disobeyed a direct command he had issued. He could and would not allow this disobedience in his kingdom. The motivation for his command was for his subjects to show their loyalty to him. It could also have been to solidify control over the diverse elements of his empire.

Q3. (Daniel 2:44) What does verse 44 teach us about the kingdom that the God of heaven will set up? What kingdom is this? When does this kingdom come? How is this related to Mark 1:15? When will it destroy all other kingdoms? God’s kingdom will be established during the period of the four empires described here. It will run parallel and unnoticed by the great leaders of history. From Daniel 2:44 we know that God’s kingdom is His creation and it will be an indestructible and infallible kingdom – it will never be destroyed and it will never fail. It is an all-victorious kingdom, eternal in its duration. It will also be a universal kingdom. The kingdom of God is seen as taking shape in the days of the fourth empire. From Mark 1:15 we understand that it was during the period of the Roman Empire (Palestine was an occupied country), that Jesus came in Galilee, preaching that the kingdom of God had drawn near in His ministry. We see this kingdom growing from unrecognized beginnings until it filled the whole earth. The kingdom had come; its powers were already released in the world, but in a full and final sense it was still coming, all that it promised would be fulfilled. Ultimately, all the kingdoms of the world will be shattered against this kingdom of God. The rise and fall of the empires is not military or financial, but rather moral and spiritual, and their destruction is the outworking of the judgment of God on kingdoms that have turned from His law and forsaken His Word. When Jesus comes again, He will crush all the kingdoms of this world, since He is the one that our Heavenly Father has committed all judgment to (John 5:22). He is the stone that the builders rejected which became the chief cornerstone (Acts 4:11).

Q2. (Daniel 2:27-28) How does Daniel show humility in this situation? How does he use this situation as an opportunity to witness before the king to his faith in God? According to 1 Peter 5:5-6, should we try to exalt ourselves? If we do so, what will happen? Daniel showed humility by not taking any credit for himself. He took the opportunity to witness to the king, by admitting and explaining that there is only one true God and He is in heaven. Also that only He is the source of knowledge and wisdom. We should not try to exalt ourselves. We must remember that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. As believers we should rather be clothed with humility. In Ephesians 4:2, we are given the command to be completely humble and gentle. At the same time we are to be patient by putting up with each other and loving each other. It is the opposite of conceit and arrogance. Genuine humility only comes when know our Lord Jesus. To be humble is to have the Spirit of Christ. It is then that we come to know Jesus better and grow to become more and more like Him. We become conscious of our own nothingness and are then able to see God as He really is. His weakness is mightier than our strength. His foolishness is greater than our wisdom. We then see ourselves as we really are.

Q1. (Daniel 2:17-18) Why does Daniel ask his friends to "plead for mercy"? According to Scripture, is intercessory prayer important? Is it effective? How can we implement intercessory prayer in our churches? They needed God’s mercy to reveal the king’s dream. Daniel recognized the situation he was in and his own inability to know the dream and then even to interpret it properly. So they turned in confidence to the Lord, expecting Him to meet their need. Intercessory prayer is not only important but also very effective. It is expected of all believers as we read in 1 Timothy 2:1-3. It is especially for the sick that we should intercede (James 5:14). In Scripture we read that the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and believers intercede for mankind. For example, in Romans 8:26-27 we see that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf and in Romans 8:34, Jesus intercedes for us. Fortunately, in my local church we have an active prayer chain interceding for those in need.