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.  

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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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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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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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?
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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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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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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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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?

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.