This week, we will continue our journey through the book of Daniel (Dan. 5-9). Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.


Discussion Questions:

• Why might Belshazzar not have known about Daniel? (Dan. 5:10-12) Your answers may vary.

• When Daniel found out it was against the law to pray to God, what did he do? And why (Dan. 6:10)? Would you follow his example?

• Who is the one like ‘a son of man’ who approached the Ancient of Days? (Dan. 7:13-14)

• Who might the king be who is mentioned in Daniel 8:23-26? Could multiple people fill this role?

• Why did Daniel include himself in his prayer of confession in Daniel 8:3-15? He was not guilty of the sin he was confessing.



Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:

• What kept the king from being moved? (Psa. 21:7) Does this work for you as well? – Because he trusted in the Lord. Our trust in the Lord will never let us down.

• How would eating the king’s food and drinking his wine defile Daniel? (Dan. 1:8) – The dietary laws of the Torah were very specific about what could be eaten. The food that was served at the king's table would surely have included unclean animals that an observant Jew could not eat. While there was no prohibition against wine, there may have been some additives that were unacceptable.

• What is symbolized by the great rock that broke the statue? (Dan. 2:34-35, 44-45) – The kingdom of God that would destroy all human kingdoms and would last forever.

• Who was the fourth person in the furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? (Dan. 3:25) How is that relevant to us today? – While it could have been an angel, most commentators say that it was the pre-incarnate Jesus. Like these three friends, we can trust that He will walk with us through any fires of life we might face.

• Why did Nebuchadnezzar suffer a period of insanity? (Dan. 4:28:34) – Because of his pride. He had grown to believe that he, and he alone, was responsible for all that Babylon had accomplished during his reign.



Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Daniel. Help me to trust You like he did, staying faithful in prayer no matter what challenges come my way. Keep me humble, guard me from pride, and remind me that Your kingdom lasts forever. Thank You that Jesus walks with us through every trial and that You are always with us. Amen.


Helpful Resources:


• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration 


• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos 

• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps

• A Clay Jar Devotionals