Daniel 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Daniel 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In the third year of Jehoiakim's reign, Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem and takes captives, including some of the royal offspring (vv. 1-2). He commands Ashpenaz to bring in youths without defect, skilled in wisdom, to teach them the Chaldean language (vv.

Key verse

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Daniel 1:8 (WEB)

Outline

Daniel 1:1–2 Babylon's Conquest of Jerusalem
Daniel 1:3–5 Selection of Israel's Youths
Daniel 1:6–7 Names Given to the Captives
Daniel 1:8–10 Daniel's Resolve Not to Defile
Daniel 1:11–14 Request for a Test
Daniel 1:15–16 Results of the Test
Daniel 1:17–21 Favor and Wisdom Granted

Discussion questions

In v1, who besieged Jerusalem during the reign of Jehoiakim?
What food does Daniel request instead of the king's dainties in v12?
In v8, why does Daniel choose not to defile himself with the king’s food?
In v20, what does it mean that Daniel and his friends are found ten times better than others?
When have you faced pressure to conform to others' expectations, as Daniel did with the king's food?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Daniel 1: Daniel 2, 2 Kings 24, Daniel 5.

Before next time: read Daniel 2.