Daily Readings

Read Daniel 2, 7 - 8.

Read Daniel 2:1-23.

Summarize the characters and their actions. Circle the actions of God in verses 20-23.

Read Daniel 8:1-27

Underline the description of the animals and their horns. Circle the nations mentioned in verses 20-21. Consider how the visions affected Daniel (verse 27).

Daniel 2, 7 - 8 Outro

The dream of the statue disturbs Nebuchadnezzar so much that he can’t sleep. Daniel’s vision of the beasts alarms him and makes him go pale. The ram and goat vision puts Daniel in bed, sick for days. Yet, when we read these visions, we should be comforted by them, because they indicate that God is in sovereign control. This week as you read the news, as you hear about pain and loss, and as you deal with disappointment in your own life, reflect on the power of God over the aairs of people. Take your concerns to Him and be reminded that the God of Daniel is still in control.

God's Sovereign Plan for the Nations

What words would you use to describe the political environment in your country today?

Have you ever asked the question: Where is God in all of this? Maybe it was something going on in the world, or something you were dealing with personally.

Read Daniel 2:26-35

Where does Daniel place the credit for his success in aiding the king? Why is this important? What do you think this would say to the ancient reader, both Babylonian and Jewish?

Read Daniel 7:1-8

When the power-hungry king experiences the vision, he sees a beautiful statue. When Daniel, the man of God, experiences the vision of human kings and kingdoms, he sees hideous beasts. What can we learn from this? How should God’s people view human power? Human kings and kingdoms?

Read Daniel 7:13-14

What is the Son of Man given? Compare this passage with Philippians 2:9-11.

How does knowing that God is ultimately in control and will sum everything up in Jesus (see Ephesians 1:10) as the true King of the Earth (see Matthew 28:20) effect how you will live today in the human kingdom in which you find yourself?