BEREAN LIBRARY STUDY

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 13, 1900

BEREAN LIBRARY STUDY.

(February 18-24.)

But few prayers are recorded in the Bible. From those that are thus given to us, we may learn much. The petition of Daniel is what James calls “effectual fervent prayer.” The following from “Testimony for the Church,” No. 33, page 164, should increase our interest in this lesson: “Daniel did not seek to excuse himself or his people before God: but in humility and contrition of soul he confessed the full extent and demerit of their transgressions, and vindicated God’s dealings as just toward a nation that had set at naught his requirements, and would not profit by his entreaties. There is great need to-day of just such sincere, heartfelt repentance and confession.” In what contrast to this petition are the feeble, heartless prayers of those who offer but a lip-service to the Majesty of heaven!

Lesson 12.

(Dan. 9: 1-24; “Thoughts on Daniel,” pages 183-196.)

1. In what way does this lesson teach that we should never allow ourselves to be too busy, nor think ourselves too learned, to study the word of God?

2. What prophecies relate to the captivity of Israel? How did Daniel understand these?

3. How might Daniel have reasoned concerning the matter of praying for the fulfillment of prophecy?

4. Study the prayer of Daniel under each of the following heads:— (a) Confession of Israel’s sins. (b) Self-humiliation. (c) Vindication of God’s dealings with Israel. (d) References to the honor of God’s name. (e) Specific requests.

5. How was Daniel’s prayer interrupted?

6. Give five points showing the connection between the eighth and ninth chapters of Daniel.

7. How is this connection further shown by Gabriel’s words?

8. What tender expressions of regard show the special love that God has for those who are true to him? How close must be the union between God and his remnant people?

9. In explaining the vision, with what point does the angel begin?

10. What is the significance of the word “determined” in Dan. 9: 24?

11. What six events were to be consummated within the period represented by the seventy weeks allotted to Jerusalem and the Jews?

Review Topics.

1. Review the history of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon, and cite the scriptures alluding to it.

2. Note the prominent points in Daniel’s prayer (Dan. 9: 4-19), and develop the practical lessons taught thereby.

3. Show the different points of connection existing between the eighth and ninth chapters of Daniel.

4. Give brief character sketches of Enoch, Abraham, and Daniel. In what respects was their situation similar to that of the people of God to-day?

5. Carefully consider Dan. 9: 24, showing the application of each separate expression.