Daniel 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Daniel 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Darius set up a leadership structure with one hundred twenty satraps and three presidents, with Daniel as one (vv. 1-2). Daniel stood out because he had an excellent spirit.

Key verse

“My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me; because as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
Daniel 6:22 (WEB)

Outline

Daniel 6:1–3 Darius Establishes Leadership Structure
Daniel 6:4–9 Conspiracy Against Daniel
Daniel 6:10–15 Daniel's Faithfulness and Arrest
Daniel 6:16–24 Daniel in the Lions' Den
Daniel 6:25–28 Darius's Decree

Discussion questions

In v10, why does Daniel pray with his windows open toward 'Jerusalem'?
What does Darius do in v9 after signing the decree?
The decree in vv. 7-8: why do the conspirators frame it as a matter of loyalty to the 'king'?
Darius’ response in vv. 14-15: what can we understand about his character from his actions towards Daniel?
When has someone challenged your loyalty to God, like the men did with Daniel in v5?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Daniel 6: Daniel 3, Daniel 5, Psalm 34.

Before next time: read Daniel 7.