DANIEL
READING PLAN + STUDY QUESTIONS
READING PLAN
DANIEL’S STEADFAST FAITHFULNESS
GOD’S PROVISION FOR DANIEL
DANIEL’S VISION OF REVELATION
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER ALL TIME
HOW TO USE
READ THE CHAPTERS IN THE BIBLE FOR EACH SESSION
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS + REFLECT ON THE READING
This study encourages going at your own pace, allowing each session to be a day, a week, or however long you need. Each session contains questions to be used for individual reflection or small group discussion.
This study was made to be used alongside Bible reading. Although we have created chapter summaries, there is no substitute for reading God's Word.
SESSION ONE: DANIEL 1-3
DANIEL’S STEADFAST FAITHFULNESS
The names of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were changed by the Babylonian officials. Why do you think this was significant (Daniel 1:6-7)?
Do you think Daniel’s refusal to eat food from the king’s table was solely about following Jewish food laws, or was it a way to display God’s power and abilities? How did this decision demonstrate Daniel’s faith?
After acknowledging Daniel’s abilities as ten times greater than the magicians (Daniel 1:20), why do you think Nebuchadnezzar still called on them for help with his dream (Daniel 2:2)? How can we often forget God’s goodness and power in our own lives?
In Daniel 2:11, the magicians indirectly acknowledged God’s abilities by admitting that only “the gods” could reveal the king’s dream. What does this say about their awareness of divine power? Why do you think Daniel chose to protect them from execution (Daniel 2:24)?
Notice the sequence of events. Did Daniel make an appointment with King Nebuchadnezzar before or after God revealed the dream to him? What does this say about his confidence in God’s faithfulness?
Read Daniel 2:19-23. What did Daniel do before the dream was revealed to him? What did he do afterwards? What does this reveal about Daniel’s priorities?
How did Nebuchadnezzar’s dream demonstrate God’s sovereignty over the kingdoms of the world?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared in Daniel 3:16-18 that they would trust God, whether He saved them or not. How did their response display the depth of their faith in God, regardless of the outcome?
SESSION TWO: DANIEL 4-6
GOD’S PROVISION FOR DANIEL
How was King Nebuchadnezzar’s faith dependent on his circumstances? How can a faith based on circumstances become fleeting and harmful?
In Daniel 4, God restored Nebuchadnezzar’s royal position. Why do you think God showed him mercy? What does this teach us about God’s character?
In Daniel 5:10-12, why did the queen remember Daniel during the crisis? How did she describe his abilities, and what does this say about Daniel’s reputation in the kingdom?
In Daniel 5:22, Daniel confronted Belshazzar by saying, “Though you knew all this…” What did Daniel expect Belshazzar to have learned from Nebuchadnezzar’s experience?
Have you ever heard the phrase “the writing on the wall”? That expression comes from Daniel 5! How did the message given to Belshazzar serve as a clear sign or warning of something inevitable?
How did the other officials react to Daniel’s promotion to a higher position in the kingdom (Daniel 6:1-6)? How did they use Daniel’s faith against him?
Write out the last few words of Daniel 6:10. How did Daniel’s habit of prayer help him remain faithful in the face of danger and opposition?
After Daniel’s rescue from the lions’ den, how did Darius respond? Do you think Darius will remain faithful to God after witnessing this miracle? Why or why not?
How did the lions react to the other people thrown into the den (Daniel 6:24)? How does this refute the argument that the lions were tame or not hungry?
SESSION THREE: DANIEL 7-9
DANIEL’S VISION OF REVELATION
In Daniel’s vision, each of the four beasts symbolized a different kingdom. Why do you think God used such terrifying imagery to convey these messages?
In Daniel 7, God is referred to as “the Ancient of Days,” and Jesus is referenced as “the Son of Man.” Why do you think these titles were used for them? How do these names highlight their power and authority?
How did Daniel respond to the visions he received (Daniel 7:15, 7:28)?
How could Daniel’s vision of rising and falling kingdoms help you trust that God remains in control, even when faced with corrupt or unjust leadership?
In Daniel 8:27, Daniel admitted that he did not fully understand the vision he received. Do you find this troubling or hopeful? How can this verse encourage you when you struggle to understand God’s plans or the world around you?
Revisit Daniel 6:10. How do you think Daniel’s consistent habit of prayer prepared him for uncertainty and influenced his prayer for Israel (Daniel 9)?
In Daniel 9:2, Daniel reflected on the prophecies of Jeremiah and realized that the seventy years of exile were almost over. Why do you think this realization was important for Daniel? How did it impact his prayer and his sense of urgency?
Throughout Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9, he included himself in the sins of Israel, using words like “we” and “us” (Daniel 9:5-6). Why is this important? How do Daniel’s humility and identification with his people’s sins reflect his relationship with God?
SESSION FOUR: DANIEL 10-12
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER ALL TIME
Read Daniel 10:8. Why do you think Daniel had such a powerful response to the angel’s appearance?
The angel revealed that his mission was delayed because of a spiritual battle (Daniel 10:13). What does this passage teach us about the reality of spiritual warfare? How might this shape the way we view prayer and intercession?
After the angel touched Daniel to strengthen him (Daniel 10:10-19), Daniel was able to listen and respond. How does God strengthen us to accomplish His purposes in our lives?
What phrase is repeated in Daniel 11:27, 11:29, and 11:35? What do you think this repetition emphasizes about God's control over historical events?
The angel revealed the rise and fall of various empires in Daniel 11. What encouragement can we draw from trusting God’s authority while facing instability in the world today?
What does Daniel 11 teach us about resisting evil rulers and remaining faithful to God in difficult times? How can we draw strength from God’s sovereignty when faced with opposition?
Read Daniel 12:1-2 and Revelation 20:12-13. How do these passage shape your understanding of eternal life and final judgment?
In Daniel 12:8, Daniel said he heard but did not understand the prophecy. How does this offer perspective about the mystery of God’s plans? What does this teach us about having faith, even when we don’t fully understand everything?
God’s final instruction to Daniel was to “go your way till the end” and rest (Daniel 12:13). What does this command reveal about trusting God’s plan for the future, even when we lack full understanding? How can this encourage you to find rest in God’s promises today?
Way to go! You finished the book of Daniel!
Thank you for reading through the Bible with Everyday Scripture.
Keep going — the next book of Old Testament Prophecy is Hosea!