Daniel 7:1-28
Key verse 7:13
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence."

* FOUR BEASTS (1-8; 17-25)

1. Read verses 1-3. When did Daniel have this dream? What was the general content of the dream? What did the four beasts represent? (16-17; 2:38-40) Of what do the four winds and the great sea remind us? (Gen 1:1-2)

2. Read verse 4-6. Describe the first three beasts. Think about the characteristics of lions and eagles; of bears; of leopards. What nation does each seem to represent? What happened to each of them? Compare with the statue in chapter 2.

3. Read verses 7, 19, 23-25. Describe the fourth beast. How was the fourth beast different from the others? What prophecy was made concerning this fourth beast? What nation fulfilled (perhaps partially) this prophecy? (See again 2:40-43) How might the crucifixion of Jesus fit into the picture of the fourth beast?

4. What can you learn about the little horn and its meaning? (8,20-21,24-25, compare to 2Th 2:4)

* VICTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD (9-14; 26-28)

5. Read verses 9-10. Who is the Ancient of Days? How are he and his throne room described? What does this description teach about him? What is the purpose of this court, and what is written in these books? What did God do about the little horn? (20-22; 24-27)

6. Read verses 13-14 again. Who is the son of man? What do these verses teach about him? (Compare Rev 1:13-16; Mk 9:3, 4)

7. Read verses 24-27. How is the final victory described? (14,26-27) Who are the saints and how can we be included among them? How do you think these prophecies are/will be fulfilled? (Consider Rev 13:1-10)