The next chapters of Daniel are more challenging because they deal with prophecy (God telling about the future). While they may be filled with confusing images, there is much to learn in these chapters.

I encourage you to read Daniel chapter 7 before diving into the questions.

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am or anytime on our website redoakpresbytericanchurch.com

Questions to Ponder:

1. Why do you suppose Daniel arranged the material in his book so that chapters 7-8 cover events prior to those in chapters 5-6? (Keep in mind, chapter numbers weren't a part of the original manusripts - those came later. But the order of this content was likely just as we have it recorded in the Bible).

2. Why do you think Daniel's readers would have been comforted to hear this message of God's sovereignty?

3. What do each of the beasts suggest about the strengths of their respective kingdoms? What weaknesses do these images suggest?

4. How does the description of God in 7:9-10 show his superiority over the beasts?

5, What evidence in the Bible is there that the Son of Man should be identified with Jesus?

6. In what ways has Daniel's prophecy already been fulfilled in history? What makes it apparent that there are elements of the prophecy yet to be fulfilled? How will Christians know that the prophecy is being fulfilled?

7. Daniel did not live to see the fulfillment of every prophecy he gave. How do you think he dealt with this reality? What do his words in 7:28 tell you about how easy it was for him to be God's mouthpiece? What does this tell us about our response to God when we are called to do difficult things or when the answers to our prayers don't come as hoped?

8. What words of comfort and promise does this passage give God's people?

9. What is God teaching you through our study of the book of Daniel?