SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
Daniel 7:1 through 12:13

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” (Daniel 7:27)

BACKGROUND

The Book of Daniel can be divided into two nearly equal parts. The first six chapters are historical in nature and concern Daniel’s life in Babylon under several kings. The remainder of the book, our text for this week, is primarily a record of Daniel’s revelations concerning Israel and various world empires. 

Bible scholars consider the Book of Daniel to be the major apocalyptic book of the Old Testament, as chapters 7 through 12 relate to the end times. (Apocalyptic literature is usually symbolic, visionary, and prophetic in nature, and typically was written under oppressive conditions with the intent of encouraging the people of God.) These chapters offer not only information regarding the near future of Israel in Daniel’s time but also a view of end-time events with worldwide implications. The key message conveyed is that in the last days, the great nations of the world will rise up against the Lord, but God will protect His people, and the Kingdom He establishes will prevail and endure forever.  

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. In the vision described in chapter 7, Daniel saw a number of troubling images that included violent conflict between powerful animal-like creatures, symbolizing the four successive world empires of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. In verse 9, the vision shifts to a prophecy of the end times that is considered one of the pinnacles of Old Testament revelation. In it, Daniel saw the “Ancient of days” upon a throne, meting out judgment to the four beasts. Following the divine judgment, who came before the Ancient of days, and what was given Him? Daniel 7:13-14
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   Verses 13-14 record that “one like the Son of man” came before the Ancient of days. Make sure your group understands that this is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is distinct from God the Father, the Ancient of days. The designation “Son of man” is one that Christ used to refer to Himself. Christ was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. Verse 14 describes His dominion as universal and everlasting — showing the supremacy of His Kingdom above all others, since these characteristics were not true of the prior kingdoms of the world.
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2. Daniel’s second recorded vision, described in chapter 8, occurred during the final year of Belshazzar’s reign. In it, the prophet witnessed a conflict between a ram (representing the Medo-Persian empire), and a he-goat (representing Greece). Verses 15-17 relate that as Daniel was pondering the meaning of this vision, a divine being identified as Gabriel came to help him understand. Most of us will not experience an angelic visitation when we have questions about spiritual matters, but what are some ways God might help us gain spiritual understanding?
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   Suggestions may include instruction through God’s Word (His revelation to us), sermons and teachings, personal counsel from the ministry or other godly individuals, Bible-based study materials, and providential circumstances. Conclude your class discussion by making clear that some of the mysteries of God will likely remain unclear until eternity, but God will never withhold knowledge from us that is necessary for our spiritual well-being.
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3. Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 9 indicate that Daniel had read a prophecy by Jeremiah, in which he foretold that the exiles would return to their homeland after seventy years. Since Daniel had been in exile for about seventy years, he knew that the captivity was nearly at an end. In response to this understanding, Daniel fell on his face before God and prayed. What lessons can we learn about effective intercession based upon verses 2-20?
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   Discussion of this question should bring out several points. Verse 2 indicates that Daniel believed the divinely inspired words of Jeremiah, and belief in God’s Word is a good basis for prayer. The earnestness of Daniel’s prayer is evident in the descriptive phrases of verse 3: “I set my face . . . to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” Verses 4-5 indicate that Daniel acknowledged God’s greatness and the sins of his people, which he specifically named. The fact that he included himself in his confession that “we have sinned” shows his humility, and his identification with the people for whom he was interceding. He appealed to God’s nature (verse 9) and reflected upon God’s past beneficence (verse 15). He concluded in verses 16-19 by specifying his petition, the fulfillment of which would bring glory to God and His name. All of these actions illustrate aspects of effective intercession.
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   You could expand your discussion of this question by focusing on verse 18. It is noteworthy that Daniel requested God’s mercy, rather than His intervention in their desperate situation. He knew the people did not deserve help. Point out to your group that although judgment will ultimately come to individuals who persist in rebellion toward God, He still extends mercy to those who repent, even though it is not deserved. If God refused to help sinners because of their past rejection of Him, it would only be their due. So when God responds with mercy instead of judgment, what praise should be offered Him!
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4. Following Daniel’s earnest prayer to God, once again the angel Gabriel came to him, this time with a message of hope. Beginning at verse 22 of chapter 9, Gabriel informed Daniel that God had put in place a timetable of seventy weeks of years, which would start when an edict would be proclaimed for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Why do you think Gabriel gave Daniel this message? In verse 24, what six purposes did he give for the seventy weeks?
   
   In verse 23, Gabriel told Daniel that he was “greatly beloved.” While Daniel had remained true to the Lord God all the days of his exile in Babylon, no doubt what commended him to God the most was his heart for the people of Israel and his desire to intercede for them, which resulted in his impassioned prayer to the Lord on their behalf.
   
   Following Daniel’s prayer for his people, who had suffered so greatly as a result of their egregious sins against God, he was given hope. Gabriel said that in the days ahead there would be a remedy given that would bring them back to God and restore righteous order to all people whose lives had been destroyed by sin.
   
   The six purposes outlined in verse 24 were as follows:

• “To finish the transgression.” Taken literally, this means that sin will finally be restrained, ending its dominion that began with Adam and Eve’s first transgression against God in the Garden. 
• “To make an end of sins.” This means that sins will be “seal[ed] up” or “stopped.” The power of sin will be broken both by changing a person’s desires and purging the heart.
• “To make reconciliation for iniquity.” This third purpose is accomplished through the atoning Blood of Jesus.
• “To bring in everlasting righteousness.” While righteous individuals have existed throughout history, only in the new Kingdom brought in by the Messiah will righteousness be “everlasting,” indicating that it will finally be permanent as sin is bound up forever.
• “To seal up the vision and prophecy.” This references both the conclusion and fulfillment of prophecy. No more revelation will be needed because all things will have been completed and fulfilled.
• “To anoint the most Holy.” Many Bible scholars believe this phrase refers to the part of the Temple that contained the consecrated tools and items in the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). It is worth noting that others feel it is a reference to the Messiah himself, based on the fact that this is the only place in the King James Version where the word “Holy” begins with a capital H.
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  This chapter concludes by framing the timetable and events that will take place after the first sixty-nine weeks. The final week (seven years) is yet to come and could come at any moment. This may be a good time to remind your students that just as God’s timetable has been perfectly executed in the past, He will just as assuredly finish it, and time will end at the moment of His own choosing. We must be ready.
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5. Chapter 10 contains an account of Daniel’s experience during the three weeks when he set himself to seek God, and describes what transpired. Verses 5-9 detail his encounter with “a certain man” near the Hiddekel (Tigris) river. This man had a distinct and unusual appearance, but Daniel understood the words he spoke. According to verses 12-14, the messenger was sent in response to Daniel’s prayer. What explanation did he give for the fact that there had been no immediate response to Daniel’s prayer? How did Daniel respond to the messenger?
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   The messenger made it clear that while Daniel’s prayer had been heard immediately, the answer was hindered by “the prince of the kingdom of Persia” (a demonic being, or possibly Satan himself). 
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   Daniel was overwhelmed by the appearance of the angelic messenger. He fell to the ground and his strength left him, but the man reached out and touched him, saying, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved. . . .” (verse 11). What a profound encouragement those words must have been! The messenger went on to state, “I am come for thy words.” This is another of many reminders in the Book of Daniel that prayer brings results — it is not merely a therapeutic exercise for the one who prays.
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6. In chapter 11, the angelic messenger began explaining to Daniel the divine plan regarding what would occur in the future of the Jews. Verses 1-35 allude to various ancient rulers, concluding with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Greek ruler who defiled the Temple in about 168 B.C. While there were no doubt many parts of the plan that Daniel could not fully comprehend, the revelation offered reassurance for God’s people. When they observed previously foretold events taking place as predicted, they would recognize that God was shaping man’s actions in conformity with His will. What does the knowledge that God has planned and ordained the events occurring on the world stage today mean to you?
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   Class discussion should bring out that the knowledge that God is in control offers tremendous comfort and encouragement to believers. It helps us understand that the events occurring around us are not terrifying or even just random happenings without meaning, but rather, they are all part of God’s plan for the end times. While we may undergo difficult and challenging circumstances before Jesus returns to take us out of this world, He will be with us and help us triumph as we keep our trust in Him.
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   Focus your group’s attention on Daniel 11:32, which foretold the time when Antiochus IV Epiphanes would turn on Jerusalem and the Jewish people. While some of the Jews would forsake their covenant with God and embrace Greek culture and customs at that time, those who knew their God would be “strong” and “do exploits” in the face of incredible pressure and opposition. In like manner, when we face challenging circumstances, we can cling to God with the assurance that He will strengthen, uphold, and encourage us. While our “exploits” for Him may be different from those of the Jews of Daniel’s time, like them we will be enabled to live in a godly manner and stay true to our commitment to God.
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7. In chapter 11, verse 36, Daniel’s narrative appears to transition from a historical figure to a person who will exalt himself above all gods, including the God of gods. In the New Testament, this individual is referred to as the Antichrist. The remainder of the chapter describes some of the wars the Antichrist will engage in and the establishment of his headquarters in Jerusalem. The Antichrist will prosper until he sets himself up as god in the Temple in the middle of his seven-year rule. Daniel 12:1 indicates that after the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel, there will be “a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” What is this “time of trouble” a reference to, and who will be protected?
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   This is a reference to the Great Tribulation — a period during which people on earth will experience unparalleled trouble, darkness, and torment. During that time, the Archangel will protect the remnant of Jews whose names are written in the Book of Life. This is an indication that a remnant of Jews will believe on Jesus Christ as their Savior during the second half of the Tribulation. (For further discussion of the Tribulation period, you may wish to refer to Zachariah 13:8-9, Revelation 7:4-8, and Revelation 14:1.)
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8. Given the events described in chapters 7 through 12, and Daniel 12:1, how would you summarize why is it so important to be ready for Christ’s return?
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   Your students will likely mention avoiding the Tribulation as a reason for being ready for Christ’s return. Make sure the discussion also includes the glorious truth that those who are ready for Christ’s return will have the privilege of taking part in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, described in Revelation 19:7-9. 
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   God wants us to have our eyes on the skies. We do not know the day or the hour of Christ’s return, but we do know that those who are watching and waiting for Him will be ready when He comes. There is ample instruction in the Bible about what the Lord expects His followers to be, and the Book of Daniel should challenge all of us to make sure we are ready.

CONCLUSION

In Daniel 12:9-10, Daniel was told that the prophecies he had received would be “closed up and sealed” and not understood until the time of the end. So while Daniel offers us a glimpse of future events, we have no need to try to completely decipher them. The angel went on to tell Daniel to live out his life, and then rest as he waited for the resurrection at the end of time when he will participate in Christ’s Millennial Kingdom. That is also good advice for those of us today who are waiting for the return of Jesus.