Free group study handout
Daniel 3: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Daniel 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up in the plain of Dura (vv. 1-2). He called for all the rulers to gather for the image's dedication.
Key verse
“But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”
Daniel 3:18 (WEB)
Outline
- Daniel 3:1–2 Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image
- Daniel 3:3–6 The Command to Worship
- Daniel 3:7–12 Accusation Against the Jews
- Daniel 3:13–18 Confrontation with the King
- Daniel 3:19–23 The Fiery Furnace
- Daniel 3:24–27 Miraculous Preservation
- Daniel 3:28–30 Nebuchadnezzar's Decree and Promotion
Discussion questions
- What does the word 'furnace' in v6 tell us about the consequences of disobedience?
- In v12, why do the Chaldeans specifically accuse Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
- Shadrach and his friends’ response in vv. 17-18: how do they balance confidence in God with acceptance of possible death?
- Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction in v19: why does his appearance change when faced with defiance?
- When have you faced a situation like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in v18, where standing for your beliefs was risky?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Daniel 3: Daniel 6, Isaiah 43, Hebrews 13.
Before next time: read Daniel 4.