COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION
10.04.15 TO 10.11.2015
READ CHAPTER 5
Most biblical scholars and historians believe there were at least four
Babylonian kings between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. As we work
our way through Daniel 5 we are going to see an abrupt ending to a once
overpowering and dominating kingdom. Belshazzar seems to believe that
his kingdom is invincible even with the Medes and Persians laying siege to
the city while he throws a drunken party. The only thing that surpasses his
arrogance is his stupidity. IF STUPIDITY COULD FLY HE WOULD HAVE
BEEN A JET.
STUDY
1. In what two ways did Belshazzar blaspheme against God (vv. 1-4)?
Leader’s note: The king lifted himself up against the Lord of heaven (v23)
by using the sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem. These had been
stored away for over 40 years but in a drunken stupor he calls for them to
be brought to the party. He saw Yahweh as the defeated God of Judah and
he begins to regale and taunt against the reputation that Nebuchadnezzar
had decreed 40 years earlier.
Answer: 1. He and his guest drank from the holy vessels.
2. He praised the false gods of Babylon as he debauched using
the holy vessels.
2. Describe Belshazzar’s response to the appearance of the hand (vv.
5-6).
Leader’s note: Instant sobriety, physical collapse (some commentators
suggest that the Hebrew language implies that he wet himself and or
soiled himself), utter terror and he became ghostly pale. He was paralyzed
with fear.
3. What happens when the wise men of Babylon cannot interpret the
word written on the wall (vv.8-9)?
Leader’s note: 1. Belshazzar became more terrified and his face became
even more terrified. 2. The wise men were baffled. The king becomes
instantly desperate.
4. In what ways do we see desperation in our culture today as an
attempt to bring a spiritual understanding into life?
Leader’s note: False religion, astrology, Spiritism etc.
5. What is the significance of the queen mother’s advice to Belshazzar
(vv.10-12)?
Leader’s note: She remembered the wisdom of Daniel and the work of
Yahweh from the days of Nebuchadnezzar. Lead the discussion toward
why this is significant and the implications for us today. It is important as to
what people remember about us even though we are outsiders. Do we
have credibility?
6. Draw out the statements of Daniel in vv.18-23 that establish the
sovereignty of God.
Leader’s note: God gave. He deposed the King. The Most High God is
sovereign. Point out to your group the impossibility for missing this truth as
we study the book of Daniel. Belshazzar did not remember this allencompassing truth or willfully chose to ignore it.
7. As outsiders, do our actions and words ever indicate that we have
forgotten that God is Sovereign? In what ways?
Leader’s note: Do not allow tangents to take over the discussion.
8. As outsiders, what do we learn from Daniel’s example as he spoke
the message of God to a pagan King?
Leader’s note: He was humble but direct. He was respectful but fearless.
He represented the minority but yet he was confident in God’s sovereignty.
Are we living this way in our Babylon?
APPLICATION
9. While Belshazzar was throwing a party his enemy was in the
process of invading his city. In other words “Don’t worry. Throw a
party. Just have a good time and everything will be okay.” He did not
take the impending threat of the Persians seriously until the message
of God pronounced judgement. Our culture seems to be obsessed
with the idea of “just have a good time and everything will be okay.
“How do we see this being played out in contemporary culture?
10. Darrel pointed us to the reality of our days being numbered. Our
lives are lacking without Jesus and His Kingdom will survive. Read 2
Corinthians 4:16-18. Summarize and apply the message contained in
this scripture.
Leader’s note: Paul is encouraging believers to think eternity.
We live in a world that can immerse us in bad news, pessimism and a
culture bearing every indication that the sovereignty of God has been
forgotten. Close with a prayer time that renews commitment to live with
confidence in Christ and faith in God’s plan to redeem the world.
THINK ETERNITY! DON’T BE DISCOURAGED. THRIVE IN BABYLON.
THERE WILL BE PEOPLE WHO FIND OUR LIVES AND HUMBLE,
CONFIDENT, FEARLESS ATTITUDES ATTRACTIVE AND WILL BE OPEN
TO OUR MESSAGE.
LOVE GOD. LOVE PEOPLE. CHANGE THE WORLD!
READING SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF:
October 4: Daniel 9 & 10
October 11: Daniel 11 & 12
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ccjasper.com/app. The CCJ App also has a Bible reading plan we hope you can utilize as
you continue to mature in your walk with Jesus.