Bible Study Guide/ Daniel 4, (27-BSG-4K)/ Discussion Questions

To Think About And Discuss – [1] Daniel 4 is written in the form of an epistle: written “to all peoples, nations, and languages that live throughout the earth” (Dan 4:1). In the  proclamations of Three Angels’ Messages of Rev 14; the first angel is seen “flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6). What is the connection between these two passages?

[2] Nebuchadnezzar needed to learn which all of us must learn:  God is sovereign! He controls all the affairs of men, including the world’s rulers and kingdoms. How does the LORD go about teaching this great truth to a prideful, arrogant, and self-sufficient ruler?

[3] In v. 8, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that Daniel was endowed with “a spirit of the holy gods.” He asserts that Daniel’s qualification for interpreting dreams was that God dwelt within him. There are many today who claim to be “prophets” – with the gift of prophecy and interpretation of dreams. What does the Bible say about this crucial subject? Does having “the Spirit of God” automatically qualify one to these offices?

[4] These phrases “the watchers, the holy ones, the Most High” (Dan 4:17) means what? Why must the “living” know these things? What comfort does knowing these things give you? At the same time, what difficult questions does this knowledge raise?

[5] Why did God punish Nebuchadnezzar when he exclaimed, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built?” — After all, it was true that he had built large parts of the city (4:17)

[6] Nebuchadnezzar’s hymn of praise (Dan. 4:34-37) indicates that he had experienced a true conversion. What did the king seem finally to learn about humankind’s futile attempts at immortality apart from God?

For Further Study – [7] In the eyes of humankind, Nebuchadnezzar was one of the greatest kings in the ancient world; but in the eyes of God, what really constitutes greatness? Compare this with Christ’s shocking statement in Mt 11:11 concerning John the Baptist’s greatness.

[8] Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of individuals. Is there anything we can do to help a person who is under conviction to yield to God’s Spirit? Discuss.

[9] The Sovereignty of God is a recurring theme in the Book of Daniel (Dan 2:20–22, 44; 3:19-25; 4:28-33; 5;24-28, 30; 6:21-22; Daniel 7-12). In fact, the doctrine of God’s sovereign control is seen throughout the Scriptures –(see 1 Kings 3:9, 10; 4:29; Ps. 31:15; Esther 1:13; Job 12:18, 22; Heb. 4:13; James 1:5). Why is this such an important topic to understand?

[10] Talk about the Sovereignty of God and the truth about the Sabbath. What role does the Sabbath play in helping us understand the Sovereignty of God?

For Self-Examination – [11] You don’t need to be a proud, powerful monarch in order to fall into this trap of trying to be God. In what ways, often very subtle, can anyone, rich or poor, weak or powerful, be tempted to play God? Why is falling broken before the Cross the only sure remedy against this dangerous spiritual trap?

For Life Today – [12] At the end of the seven year period, Nebuchadnezzar “lifted up his eyes to heaven!” (4:34). How can we “look away” from ourselves, our ego, pride, achievements, emotions, moods, difficulties, trials of life, etc. and ‘fix our eyes’ on the mercy of God alone? (cf. Heb 2:2). In Colossians 3:2, we are admonished to “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” How is this possible given the fact that we still live here below (on Earth), tackling day-to-day obligations and activities?

[13] God’s sovereignty is a recurring theme in the Book of Daniel, indeed a wonderful truth in this chapter through it took a while for the prod king to realize this. This truth is also applicable for every believer: God has control over our lives and everything that happens to us, including pain/ suffering, hardships, catastrophic events, and the many “fiery trials” of this life. During such times, how can we best conduct ourselves knowing that “God is still in control?” (provide Biblical Support as you share your answer).

For Going Deeper – [14] Notice carefully the language of Daniel 4:34-37. See the sense of the king’s utter dependence upon God. Why is that attitude so crucial for anyone who seeks to serve the Lord? How does the Cross help us understand our total dependence upon God, especially for salvation?

[15] Consider again the subject of God’s grace & mercy as expressed in Daniel 4:27, 29. How does Mt 3:7-12 and the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6–9) expand your understanding of this truth?

Personal Implications – [16] Read carefully Dan 4:28-33. The exact thing that Nebuchadnezzar boasted about was the exact thing that he lost. What spiritual principle is seen here? What lessons can we, on a smaller scale, learn from this incident? Contrast what happened here with the story of the rich young ruler (Matt. 19:16-23). What differences do you see here in how the Lord dealt with these two people?