Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream, by Grant Romney Clawson

October 31–November 6

Daniel 1–6

“There Is No Other God That Can Deliver”

Elder Richard G. Scott explained that recording inspiration “shows God that His communications are sacred to us. Recording will also enhance our ability to recall revelation” (“How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 46).

Record Your Impressions

Most likely no one will ever threaten to throw you into a fiery furnace or a den of lions because of your faith in Jesus Christ. But none of us get through this life without a trial of faith. We can all benefit from the example of people like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who were taken captive as young men by the mighty Babylonian Empire (see 2 Kings 24:10–16). These young people were surrounded by an unfamiliar culture with different values, and they faced great temptations to abandon their beliefs and righteous traditions. Yet they remained true to their covenants. Like Joseph in Egypt and Esther in Persia, Daniel and his friends in Babylon kept their faith in God, and God worked miracles that still inspire believers to this day.

How did they find the strength to remain so faithful? They did those small and simple things that God has asked all of us to do—praying, fasting, choosing good friends, trusting in God, and being a light to others. As we are strengthened by doing these same small and simple things, we can face the lions and fiery furnaces in our own lives with faith.

For an overview of the book of Daniel, see “Daniel, book of” in the Bible Dictionary.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Daniel 1; 3; 6

I can trust in the Lord when my faith is tried.

In a sense, we all live in Babylon. The world around us is filled with many temptations to compromise our standards and question our faith in Jesus Christ. As you read Daniel 1, 3, and 6, note the ways in which Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were pressured to do things they knew were wrong. Have you ever felt pressure to compromise your beliefs? What do you learn from these men that can help you trust in the Lord when you face opposition?

The book of Daniel and many other scriptures record experiences where great faith led to great miracles. But what if our faith doesn’t lead to the miracles we seek? (see, for example, Alma 14:8–13). Based on what you read in Daniel 3:13–18, how do you think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego would have answered this question? How can their example affect how you approach your trials of faith? For more about these verses, see Elder Dennis E. Simmons’s message “But If Not …” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 73–75).

The book of Daniel also shows how an individual’s righteous choices can lead others to greater faith in the Lord. What examples of this do you find in chapters 1, 3, and 6? Ponder the effects that your choices may be having on others (see Matthew 5:16).

See also Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 76–79; David R. Stone, “Zion in the Midst of Babylon,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 90–93.

Illustration of Daniel and his friends refusing the king’s food, by Brian Call

Daniel 2

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth.

Through revelation, Daniel saw that Nebuchadnezzar’s dream foretold future worldly kingdoms, as well as the future kingdom of God, which “shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). “The Church is that prophesied latter-day kingdom,” Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “not created by man but set up by the God of heaven and rolling forth as a stone ‘cut out of the mountain without hands’ to fill the earth” (“Why the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 111). Think about God’s latter-day kingdom as you read the descriptions of the stone in Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45. What similarities do you see between the stone and the kingdom? How do you see God’s kingdom filling the earth today?

See also Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Stone Cut Out of the Mountain,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 83–86; L. Whitney Clayton, “The Time Shall Come,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 11–13.

Daniel 3:19–28

The Savior will support me in my trials.

What insights come to you as you read about the fourth figure appearing in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego? How can this account help you in the trials you face? You might find additional insights in Mosiah 3:5–7; Alma 7:11–13; Doctrine and Covenants 61:36–37; 121:5–8.

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Daniel 1–2.As you read Daniel 1 and 2 together, you could look for the blessings that Daniel and his friends received by abstaining from eating the king’s meat and wine. (See the video “God Gave Them Knowledge,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) You could compare those blessings to the Lord’s promises to us as we keep His commandments, such as the Word of Wisdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21). How has the Lord blessed us for living the Word of Wisdom?

Daniel 3.How could you help your family learn about the story in Daniel 3? “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego” in Old Testament Stories could help. What impresses us about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego? What situations do we face that challenge our faith and require us to show that we trust God?

Daniel 6:1–23.Your family may enjoy acting out parts of the story in Daniel 6:1–23 (for example, verses 10–12 or 16–23). What do we learn from Daniel’s example? What can we do to be more like him?

Daniel 6:25–27.According to these verses, how was King Darius affected when the Lord delivered Daniel from the lions? You could also read in Daniel 2:47; 3:28–29 about how King Nebuchadnezzar was affected in a similar way. What opportunities do we have to influence others? Discuss examples you have seen of how the faith of other people, including family members, has influenced others for good.

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “I Want to Live the Gospel,” Children’s Songbook, 148.

Improving Our Teaching

Teach the doctrine. The Lord’s gospel is beautiful in its simplicity (see Doctrine and Covenants 133:57). Simple activities and discussions focused on doctrine can invite the Holy Ghost to carry the gospel message into the hearts of your family.

Daniel in the Lion’s Den, 1872. Rivière, Briton (1840–1920). Credit: Walker Art Gallery, National Museums Liverpool/Bridgeman Images