
Week 8: Daniel Chapter 8
Feb 27-Mar 5
Overview: In Chapter 8, set in around 539 B.C., Daniel is given a vision of events to take place in the future (v 1- 14), followed by the interpretation of that vision in v 15-27. The events in the vision began to roll out two centuries later. The predictions made here are symbolic, but they are very specific. Over the course of the following four centuries, however, they’re fulfilled exactly, from Alexander the Great (v 5) conquering the Medo-Persian Empire (v 3-4) in 333 BC, to the restoration of the temple in the Maccabean Revolt in 164 B.C. (v 14) against the oppressive Antiochus IV Epiphanes (v 8-15). These predictions and their fulfillment occurred far in our past, but the fulfillment was in the future when Daniel wrote. There were vital lessons in them for the Israelites, who also had many other predictions and promises from God. The lessons to be learned from this prophecy and its fulfillment are as vital for believers today as they were for God-fearing believers then.
Day 1: Daniel 8
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 8
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 8
Are you generally more likely to trust a commitment or a promise made by a stranger, or one made by someone you know to be honest and honorable? Why?
When someone makes a promise to you, does it make a difference to you if you know they’ve kept their promises before?
Scripture holds many examples of God making and keeping promises. What does that suggest regarding His predictions that have not yet been fulfilled?
What does this suggest to you regarding God’s promises applying to you? Does this make you want to investigate those promises?
Day 4: Daniel 8
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 8
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.”