Read Daniel 2:34-35, Daniel 2:44-45. What do these verses teach us about the ultimate fate of our world? The focus of the dream is on what will happen in the “latter days” (Dan. 2:28). As powerful and rich as they may have been, the metal (and clay) kingdoms are nothing but a prelude to the establishment of the … Continue reading –>
Read again the dream and its interpretation (Dan. 2:31-49). What does this teach us about God’s foreknowledge of world history? The prophecy conveyed by Nebuchadnezzar’s dream provides a general prophetic outline and functions as the yardstick with which to approach the more-detailed prophecies of Daniel chapters 7, 8, and 11. Also, Daniel chapter 2 is not a … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 2:24-30. What does Daniel say here that’s so important for us always to remember? (See also John 15:5). In response to prayer, God reveals the content of the dream and its interpretation. And Daniel does not hesitate to tell the king that the solution for the mystery comes from the “God in heaven”. Also, prior … Continue reading –>
Daniel immediately grabs his three friends for a prayer session, explaining that they will be executed if God does not reveal the dream. Whenever we face a big problem, we also should recognize that our God is great enough to resolve even the most unsolvable challenges. Read Daniel 2:17-23. What are the two kinds of prayers … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 2:1-16. What crisis do the Hebrews face because of the dream that the Lord gives to the king? Dreams were taken very seriously in the ancient world. When a dream seemed foreboding, it often indicated an impending disaster. Thus, it is understandable why Nebuchadnezzar becomes so anxious about a dream that, to make things … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Dan. 2:1-16, Acts 17:28, Dan. 2:17-49, Psalm 138:1-8, John 15:5, Deut. 32:4, 1 Pet. 2:4. Memory Text: “Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might’ ” (Daniel 2:20, ESV). In the waters around Greenland are icebergs of many sizes. Sometimes the small ice floes move … Continue reading –>
Novel Approach to Evangelism By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission Discouraged about people slamming the door in your face? Worried that the book sent in a mass mailing will end up in the trash? University student Samuel Naumann has a unique way of sharing Seventh-day Adventist literature in Germany — and it appears to be winning … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “Daniel and his companions in Babylon were, in their youth, apparently more favored of fortune than was Joseph in the earlier years of his life in Egypt; yet they were subjected to tests of character scarcely less severe. From the comparative simplicity of their Judean home these youth of royal line were transported … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 1:17-21. What is the key to the success of the four men? (See also Job 38:36, Prov. 2:6, James 1:5). After three years of training in the “Babylonian University”, the four Hebrews are brought before the king for the final examination. They are not only healthier than the other students, they surpass them in knowledge and wisdom. … Continue reading –>
Daniel and his companions are chosen for royal service because they fit within the profile established by Nebuchadnezzar. According to the king, palace officers must have “no blemish” and be “good-looking” (Dan. 1:4, NKJV). Interestingly, sacrifices and people serving in the sanctuary should have no “blemish” (Lev. 22:17-25, Lev. 21:16-24). The Babylonian king seems to compare himself to … Continue reading –>
