Daniel 7: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Daniel 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel has a dream and visions (v. 1). He sees four great beasts arise from the sea (vv.

Key verse

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.”
Daniel 7:13 (WEB)

Outline

Daniel 7:1 Daniel's Vision Begins
Daniel 7:2–3 The Four Beasts
Daniel 7:4–8 The First Four Beasts Explained
Daniel 7:9–14 The Ancient of Days
Daniel 7:15–28 Interpretation of the Vision

Discussion questions

In v4, why is the first animal described as having 'eagle's wings'?
What happens to the fourth animal in v11 after the 'great words' are spoken by the horn?
The imagery of the 'Ancient of Days' in vv. 9-10: how does this vision of God’s authority inform the understanding of judgment?
The little horn in v8: what does its 'eyes like the eyes of a man' suggest about its nature and actions?
When have you felt troubled like Daniel in v15 after witnessing an injustice or a difficult situation?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Daniel 7: Revelation 1, Daniel 2, Revelation 13.

Before next time: read Daniel 8.