Week 5: Daniel Chapter 5

Feb 6-12

Overview: Throughout Daniel, God reveals Himself to the “enemy” kings. Each is provided with an opportunity to acknowledge God’s power and authority. King Balthazar did not remember or recognize God’s power from his father’s reign, King Nebuchadnezzar. However, King Balthazar’s wife, the queen, remembered Daniel and all the Lord had done through Daniel when they needed help. King Balthazar also despised the holy things that had been taken from the Lord‘s temple by using the gold and silver goblets as part of a banquet he held for his nobles, wives and concubines. God will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7) and He opposes the proud (James 4:6). God used the appearance of a hand writing a message on a wall to try and get king Balthazar’s attention. The message and hand terrified King Balthazar. Upon hearing the commotion, the queen boldly stepped forward and reminded the king about Daniel and the things he did. Daniel revealed God’s message of judgment to King Balthazar (which was fulfilled that very evening).

Day 1: Daniel 5

What does this passage say about God?

What does it say about people?

How does God interact with/relate to people in this text?

Day 2: Daniel 5

What is one thing that struck you about this passage?

Is anything unclear or confusing to you about this passage?

How do you think the people hearing this passage in that time would have received it?

Pick a favorite verse. Write it out. Look up the definition of the major words in that verse and write how that enhances the impact of the text in your heart.

Day 3: Daniel 5

What does the king’s attitude towards the things of God reveal about his overall attitude toward God?

How do people honor the things God has given them? How do people dishonor the things of God?

How do people ignore the messages God has around them?

King Balthazar’s wife pointed the king to Daniel who would be able to tell him about God. When have you been able to point others to Him?

Day 4: Daniel 5

What sins are we being called to avoid?

What commands are we given to obey?

What promises can we claim?

What examples are there to follow?

Any other special truths that stick out to you?

Summarize what you think Daniel is trying to teach the readers of this letter through this week’s reading. Be sure to cover each main point!

Day 5: Daniel 5

Reread the passage for the week and ask God to give you eyes to see His truth and how He wants it to specifically impact your life.

What do you think God was trying to teach you this week? (Review each day’s notes & mark what stood out to you the most.) And why do you think that?

Keeping in mind what God was trying to teach you this week, what is a SAM application you can make?

S – Specific – What exactly do you want to do?

A – Attainable – Can you accomplish this application in the time frame given?

M – Measurable – Is this something you can track and quantify its progress?

Who can you share with this week what God taught you? What could encourage a believer? What could encourage a nonbeliever?

Sermon Notes:

Disclaimer: “Unless otherwise noted, the overviews and questions were taken in part from smallgroup.com, a curriculum writing division of LifeWay Christian Resources.”