Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Is Nebuchadnezzar a sympathetic character? Why does he keep making the same mistake and forgetting the lessons he just learned?
- How do you think a Jewish interpreter would see the conclusion of Nebuchadnezzar's dream about the statue? How would a Christian interpreter likely see it? How would both kinds of interpreters likely view Daniel's vision of the "Ancient of Days"?
- What kind of approach to life or attitude does the Book of Daniel recommend for those living under hostile Gentile rulers? Do you think it would work?
- Do you think dreams can actually have deep meanings like Nebuchadnezzar's?
- How does being reduced to the state of an animal, eating grass in the wilderness, help Nebuchadnezzar to repent and become humble? How does this punishment "fit the crime"?
- How is Daniel similar to Joseph as a dream-interpreter? How are the dreams he interprets for Nebuchadnezzar (and the way he interprets them) different from those Joseph interprets for the Pharaoh?
- What do you make of God appearing to Daniel as "The Ancient of Days"? Why doesn't he say anything, but only speaks through his angel? Is there anything significant in his appearing as "old" or "ancient"?
- Do you think that Daniel's suggestions for living under powerful rulers while remaining true to your convictions are still relevant today? What about in different parts of the world—say, North Korea or Iran?