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Day 1
Scripture: Daniel 8:1-14, 19-22
Discussion: Here we see empires prophesied to come and go (and things went just as prophesied). We see the Medo-Persian Empire at its strength (vv. 3-4), followed by the rise of the Greek empire under Alexander the Great (vv. 5-7) and the four generals that succeeded him (v. 8). Then, Antiochus Epiphanes (one of the four generals) rose to power and desecrated the temple for a season (vv. 9-14). His defeat is followed by the cleansing of the sanctuary (v. 14), celebrated by the Jewish people today as Hanukkah, the Feast of Lights. How does seeing Scripture fulfilled with precision confirm the authenticity of God’s Word and strengthen your faith and desire to read the Bible?
Song: “Thy Word” by Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith
Day 2
Scripture: Daniel 8:15-17
Discussion: In this passage, we see that the angel Gabriel was dispatched to clarify completely the prophecies given to Daniel in a vision. As this passage was written down for us and not just for Daniel’s benefit, we see that God wanted this prophecy to be known the world over for all time. What does this reveal to us about God’s desire that His Word be known (since He made sure it was written down for us)? What does it tell us of God’s goodness in giving us His revelation, and how should that spur us on to read the Bible?
Song: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm & William M. Runyan
Day 3
Scripture: Daniel 8:18-27
Discussion: Spend some time walking through this section and seeing how each section lines up with the empires mentioned in “Day 1.” Spend some time praising the Lord for His sovereign rule over world events and the infinite wisdom He displays in the events of world history.
Song: “Lord Most High” by Don Harris & Gary Sadler