Daniel 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Daniel 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Nebuchadnezzar, the king, sends a proclamation to all peoples, wishing peace (vv. 1-3). He shares a troubling dream that frightens him while he is at home (vv.

Key verse

“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.”
Daniel 4:34 (WEB)

Outline

Daniel 4:1–3 Nebuchadnezzar’s Proclamation
Daniel 4:4–9 The King’s Troubling Dream
Daniel 4:10–17 The Tree Vision and Its Decree
Daniel 4:18–27 Daniel Interprets the Dream
Daniel 4:28–33 Fulfillment of the Dream
Daniel 4:34–37 Restoration and Praise

Discussion questions

In v6, why does Nebuchadnezzar call for the wise men of Babylon?
What does Nebuchadnezzar see in his dream in vv. 10-12?
Daniel's interpretation in vv. 24-25: what does it mean for Nebuchadnezzar to be 'driven from men'?
The decree from the watchers in v17: why is it significant that they are called 'watchers'?
When have you felt your pride challenged, as Nebuchadnezzar does in v37?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Daniel 4: Daniel 2, Daniel 5, 1 Chronicles 29.

Before next time: read Daniel 5.