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Daniel

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Daniel 1; 2:48–49; 3; 6. Daniel and His Companions Were Blessed by the Lord, Even Though They Were Captives in Babylon Daniel and his companions were taken captive to Babylon, but they were selected for service in the court of Nebuchadnezzar (see Daniel 1:1–7). They were blessed for refusing to partake of food forbidden by the Lord (see Daniel 1:8–16). God gave them great understanding and wisdom (see Daniel 1:17–21). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship a golden image and were cast into a furnace, but they were preserved by God (see Daniel 3:1–29). Daniel and his brethren were raised to positions of great prominence and influence in Babylon (see Daniel 2:48–49; 3:30; 6:1–3). For worshiping the Lord against Darius’ decree, Daniel was cast into a lion’s den; but he was delivered by the Lord (see Daniel 6).	Religion 302 student manual, 28-1 through 28-8; 28-15 through 28-17; 28-30 through 28-34. Genesis 39:2–4, 21–23; 41:41–43. Why did the Lord bless Joseph in Egypt? Why did the Lord bless Daniel in Babylon? D&C 89:10–17. What food is ordained of God for the use of man? D&C 89:18–21. What blessings come through obedience to the Word of Wisdom? N. Eldon Tanner, in CR, Apr. 1979, pp. 62–65. How did Daniel put on the whole armor of God? Gordon B. Hinckley, in CR, Apr. 1972, p. 77. How can a priesthood holder be like Daniel and receive light, understanding, and wisdom?
Daniel 2; 4–5. Daniel Interpreted Dreams and Revelations through Inspiration Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great image and the stone cut out of the mountain without hands (see Daniel 2). Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great tree, and it was fulfilled (see Daniel 4). Daniel interpreted the handwriting on the wall that proclaimed Belshazzar’s death and the overthrow of his kingdom (see Daniel 5; JST, Daniel 5:28).	Religion 302 student manual, 28-9 through 28-14; 28-18 through 28-29. D&C 65:2. How does Nebuchadnezzar’s dream relate to the restoration of the gospel? D&C 138:44. How long will the kingdom last that Daniel foresaw and foretold? Ezra Taft Benson, in CR, Apr. 1980, p. 45. What was represented by the stone cut out of the mountain without hands? Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Apr. 1975, p. 160. What kind of leader was Belshazzar? Marion G. Romney, in CR, Apr. 1975, pp. 108–9. How did Daniel exemplify courage while in Babylon?
Daniel 7–12. Daniel Saw Prophetic Visions and Received Revelations Daniel saw four beasts that represented the successive kingdoms of men that would wield power on the earth (see Daniel 7:1–8). Daniel saw the Ancient of Days (Adam) to whom the Son of Man would come to assume his rightful place as king over the whole earth (see Daniel 7:9–14). Daniel saw that the kingdoms of men would fight against the Saints but that they would eventually be thrown down when the Lord established his everlasting kingdom (see Daniel 7:15–28). Daniel was shown a vision of a ram and a he-goat, each with horns; Gabriel appeared to him and told him about future kingdoms and the leaders they represented (see Daniel 8). Daniel prayed for his people, and Gabriel was sent to tell him about the seventy weeks and the coming of the Messiah (see Daniel 9). Daniel saw the Lord and received instructions from heavenly beings (see Daniel 10). Daniel saw the successive kings and their wars, leagues, and conflicts leading up to the second coming of Christ (see Daniel 11:1–12:1). Daniel was told of the Resurrection and the glorification of the righteous; he was told to seal up his words so that they would be understood only by the wise at the appropriate time (see Daniel 12:2–13).	Religion 302 student manual, 28-35 through 28-53. D&C 116. Who is the Ancient of Days? (see Daniel 7:9). Luke 1:5–33. What messages did Gabriel deliver in New Testament times? John 5:28–29. Who did Jesus say would come forth in the two resurrections? (see Daniel 12:2). TPJS, p. 157. Who is Gabriel and what position does he hold? Bruce R. McConkie, New Era, June 1980, pp. 46–50. Elder McConkie tells how to receive personal revelation.

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

Handling Trials through Obedience (Sections A–B)

The following questions might be used to stimulate discussion:

1. In what ways were Daniel and his companions blessed, even though they were in captivity? (Have students support their answers with scripture references from Daniel.)

2. Why did Daniel and his companions receive such blessings? (see Religion 302 student manual 28-10; 28-15 through 28-16; 28-31 through 28-32).

3. Compare Daniel with Joseph who was sold into Egypt. What similarities do you see in their trials and in the way they handled those trials? (see Genesis 39–41).

4. What blessings have you received in times of trial or difficulty? Why? How do you qualify to receive such blessings? (see D&C 130:20–21; 132:5; Abraham 3:25).

5. What trials might you yet face? (see Daniel 12:1, 10). How can you be prepared for those trials? (see D&C 21:1–6; 38:21–31; 45:32).

The Lord Protects His Righteous Servants (Section A)

The lives of Daniel and his brethren show that God will bless those who serve him, and he will preserve them to accomplish the mission he has for them (see Psalm 145:20; 1 Nephi 22:15–17). Other good examples are Lehi and Nephi (see Helaman 5:20–52), Paul (see Acts 28:1–6), Helaman and his two thousand “sons” (see Alma 56:46–48, 56; 57:21, 25–27), Ammon (see Alma 17:25–39; 19:22–23), and Abinadi (see Mosiah 13:1–5). You may wish to use the example of Abinadi to teach that the Lord’s promise to protect his servants does not ensure that they will be preserved from suffering, but it does mean that he will provide the way for them to accomplish their mission. Though they may afterward be killed, they will enter into the paradise of God (see Mosiah 17:5–20; D&C 135:1–3).

The Kingdoms of Men and the Kingdom of God (Sections B–C)

Review the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great image and the stone cut out of the mountain (see Daniel 2:1–35). Using transparency 28, identify the kingdoms associated with the various parts of the image. Discuss Daniel’s interpretation of the dream (see Daniel 2:28–45; Religion 302 student manual, 28-11 through 28-14), including modern revelation on the same subject (see D&C 65:2).

Have the class also identify the kingdoms Daniel saw (see Daniel 7:1–8, 15–28; Religion 302 student manual, 28-37). The class should see that Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 talk about some of the same kingdoms.

Testify that it is the destiny of the Lord’s restored kingdom to roll forth until it fills the whole earth, whereas the kingdoms of the earth will end. Show transparency 29, which illustrates the great growth of the Church. Point out that the rate of growth is increasing rapidly and will continue to increase. Discuss ways in which each class member can contribute more to the growth of the Lord’s kingdom.

Read Daniel 7:9–14, 18, 22 with the class. Discuss the great priesthood gathering at Adam-ondi-Ahman and the return of Christ to set up his kingdom (see Religion 302 student manual, 28-38 through 28-41). Explain that the kingdom that will fill the whole earth will be the millennial kingdom. The “stone” is now rolling forth, but the kingdoms of the world will not be thrown down until Christ returns.

Bear testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fulfillment of the prophecies of Daniel.

Receiving Personal Revelation (Sections B–C)

Daniel received great revelations from the Lord, and so have many others. The Lord has promised that all who meet certain conditions will receive revelations. Review examples of Daniel’s revelations, and cite examples from other prophets. Teach students that they too can be guided by revelation (see Mormon 9:7–8; James 1:5; John 16:13; Articles of Faith 1:7; D&C 42:61; 76:5–10, 114–18; 93:1; Bruce R. McConkie, New Era, June 1980, pp. 46–50).