Daniel 1-6 Leaders Guide

Daniel 1-6 Leader’s Guide

Hearing the Word: A Tool for Bible reading LOOK – What does it say? 1) The Text a) What questions does it raise - Who, What, When, Where, Why, How? b) What surprises you? 2) The Context? a) the surrounding text b) the Book of the Bible c) the whole Bible d) the place in the Bible Story LEARN – What does it mean? 1) What type of writing is it? 2) Answer the questions 3) Summarise the passage LISTEN – What is the message? 1) Which is the main point? 2) Which is the key verse? LIVE – How should we respond? 1) What does it show about God, (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) : a) His nature and character? b) His grace* c) Jesus / his salvation** 2) What should I do? * God’s undeserved generosity is evident throughout the Bible, and it is perfectly expressed in Jesus. ** The Bible, from ‘the fall’ onwards, describes God’s plan of salvation through his Son. Thus, all the Scriptures speak in some way of Jesus (Luke 24:27).

HEARING THE WORD Daniel 1 - 6 Leader’s Guide Nigel Barge

Hearing the Word Daniel 1-6 Leader’s Guide Copyright © Nigel Barge 2009 – 2017 Revised Edition, published by Nigel Barge, Torrance, 2017 ISBN 978-1-912209-22-4 (Matching Workbook Daniel 1-6 ISBN 978-1-912209-23-1) (Daniel 7-12 LG ISBN 978-1-912209-24-8, WB 978-1-912209-25-5) First Published, 2013 New Format, October 2014 Distributed by Torrance Parish Church Office: 1 School Road, Torrance, Glasgow, G64 4BZ Tel: 01360 620970 Email: [email protected] Website: www.torranceparishchurch.org.uk Torrance Parish Church of Scotland is a Scottish Charity (No: SC016058) Acknowledgements I am very grateful to Phil and June Malloch, whose tireless editing, reviewing and pulling together of materials has enabled the ‘Hearing the Word’ resource to be shared with the wider church. Nigel Barge, April 2017 Scripture Quotations taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc® The International Bible Society. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton Ltd. A member of the Hodder Headline Plc Group. All rights reserved “NIV” is a registered trademark of International Bible Society. UK trademark number 1448790 Resources The New Bible Dictionary 3 edition, published by Inter Varsity Press rd The New Bible Commentary 21 century edition. A commentary on every Bible book, IVP st www.blueletterbible.org

Table of Contents Hearing the Word: A Tool for Bible reading ............................. 2 Reading NARRATIVE .............................................................. 2 Reading DANIEL ...................................................................... 3 The context of the book .......................................................................3 Historical background to Daniel .........................................................3 The Message of Daniel ........................................................................4 Questions of the Jewish people? ..........................................................4 Sketch Map ..........................................................................................5 Key Dates (BC) ....................................................................................5 Dates in Daniel ....................................................................................6 Study 1 Daniel 1 Daniel’s training in Babylon ...................... 7 Study 2 Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream ........................ 11 Study 3 Daniel 3 The image of gold and the fiery furnace .. 15 Study 4 Daniel 4 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree ....... 20 Study 5 Daniel 5 The writing on the wall ............................ 24 Study 6 Daniel 6 Daniel in the den of lions ........................ 28 Sharing the Word ........................................................................ 1

Reading NARRATIVE In seeking to hear the Word of God throughout the Bible, we need to take into account the type of literature in which it is written. Daniel 1-6 is narrative (story) - the most abundant type To approach it correctly we need to keep in mind the following principles. 1 In General: It is God’s story The whole Bible recounts the story of God’s dealings with humankind. After creation and the fall in Genesis, the rest describes how God works out his unfolding plan of salvation for humanity in Jesus. The OT prepares for the arrival, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The NT recounts these and looks forwards to his return at the end of time. It is all about Jesus. Therefore: a) Every part relates to Him (Luke 24:27; John 5:39). So as we read, we should be asking – ‘what does this show about Jesus; what is He doing?’ b) Everything is relevant. In a film every scene plays some part in the overall story. Often we are shown things in the early stages that make no sense until later. The Bible is the same. So as we read Bible narrative – knowing how it ends – we should be asking ‘what relevance has this part of the story to the main story?’ 2 In particular: ‘Follow the camera angle’ A film director focuses the viewer’s attention on particular shots to tell ‘his story’. In the same way each narrator in the Bible is selective about what to tell us. They leave out much general detail, only giving us what is relevant to what they are trying to convey. As we read we should therefore be asking the question, ‘Why is he telling me this and in this particular way?’ 3 Warts and all Human beings often get things wrong. The Bible narrative faithfully records errors, even by people who are elsewhere commended. For instance, Moses murdered a man, King David committed adultery, and Peter, who was praised for realising Jesus was the Christ, was minutes later roundly scolded when he tried to stop Jesus being the Christ through suffering! (Exodus 2:12; 2 Samuel 11; Matthew 16:16-23) So we can’t treat every thought or action in a narrative as something to copy, just because ‘it’s in the Bible’. We must ask the Holy Spirit to use the rest of Scripture to discern good examples to follow, and bad ones to avoid.

Reading DANIEL The context of the book God chose Abraham and his descendants to be his tools to bring about his plan to bless the world (Genesis 12:1-3). He committed himself to them in an everlasting ‘covenant’ (Genesis 17:1-27). He gave them a land of their own – Canaan. Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, also known as Israel, had 12 sons, whose families grew to become known as the 12 tribes of Israel. God warned Israel there would be consequences if they failed to be faithful to their side of the covenant. Such failure would ultimately result in exile from their land. (Deuteronomy 28:15,36). After the reigns of David and Solomon, the Kingdom divided into two unequal parts. The ten northern tribes were still called Israel; the south was known as Judah. The Lord continued to warn them through his prophets but they took no heed. This led to the exile first of the northern Kingdom, Israel, to Assyria in 721BC. In 605BC however, the Babylonians overran Assyria; they captured Jerusalem and started to take the southerners, Judah, including Daniel, to Babylon. In exile, the 10 tribes of Israel were dispersed through the Assyrian empire and remained ‘lost’. The Jews of Judah, however, kept their identity during their 70 years’ in Babylon. When a Persian King, Cyrus, conquered the Babylonian Empire in 539BC, he allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, and rebuild the Temple (2 Chronicles 36:15-23; Ezra; Nehemiah). Historical background to Daniel Babylon, a city on the river Euphrates (80km south of modern Baghdad) became the capital of Babylonia (modern South Iraq) and the empire and civilisation based on it. Babylon is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 11, where it is called Babel. By 625BC, Babylonia broke free from the yoke of Assyria. In 605BC, Babylon’s crown prince, Nebuchadnezzar, sacked Carchemish, at that time run by Egypt, and annihilated the Egyptian army. Jehoiakim, king of Judah, submitted to him; he carried off hostages (including Daniel) and some of the articles from the temple of God. While Nebuchadnezzar was in Palestine, his father died and he became king. In December 598BC he besieged Jerusalem. Read about the fall of Jerusalem (16 March 597BC), the capture of king Jehoiachin and the start of the Jewish exile, in 2 Kings 24:10-17 and 2 Chronicles 36:8-10. Jerusalem was totally destroyed in 587BC. There was further deportation in 581BC (2 Kings 25:8-21). Nebuchadnezzar died in 562BC. 3

Nabonidus was king of Babylon 556-539BC. His son Belshazzar ruled as co- regent in Babylon while his father campaigned in Arabia. Belshazzar was killed in 539BC when Darius the Mede captured Babylon. ‘Darius the Mede’ and ‘Cyrus the Persian’ are likely to be the same person. Date and Authorship of Daniel In the book of Daniel, the narrative starts in 605BC when Nebuchadnezzar deported Daniel and his friends to Babylon (1:1-3). The last recorded date in the book is 536BC (10:1) when Cyrus is in the third year of his reign. The Word of God says that ‘the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing it to His servants the prophets.’ (Amos 3:7). Therefore we believe it is reasonable to say that it was written by Daniel himself: chapters 7-12 are in the first person. Jesus said that ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ (Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) was ‘spoken of through the prophet Daniel’ (Matt 24:15). Chapters 1:1 to 2:4a and 8:1 to 12:13 are written in Hebrew (like the rest of the OT) while chapters 2:4b to 7:28 are written in Aramaic, a more widely spoken language. The reason is not known; one suggestion is that chapters 2-7 are the parts of most interest to non-Jewish readers. This study looks at the historical events recorded in chapters 1-6. A companion Hearing the Word study, Daniel 7-12, looks at Daniel’s visions of how in the latter days the God of heaven will erect a kingdom that will never be destroyed. It includes advice on how to read ‘Apocalyptic’ literature. The Message of Daniel ‘Daniel’ means ‘God is my judge’. Daniel, one of the Jewish nobility, is carried into exile in Babylon. During his long life in exile he remains true and faithful to the God of Israel. (ch 1-6) Toward the end of his life he is given visions (ch 7-12) of a day when the Temple is desecrated and evil seems to triumph. But then his eyes are raised (11:36ff) and he sees God’s rule, the day of judgement and the eternal inheritance of people who are wise and faithful. Daniel acknowledges that, even in the exile of his people, the Lord is sovereign: he gives kingdoms to those he wishes (4:25; 5:21; 7:14). The Lord is indeed ‘judge of all’! Questions of the Jewish people? Faced with exile from the promised land, God’s people must have been asking many questions. Some are expressed below. Daniel is acutely aware of these and seeks to address the dilemma that they present. For instance: 4

a) The Supremacy of God Where is the Lord, who brought judgement on Egypt’s gods (Exodus 12:12)? b) The Covenant of God. What has happened to the promise to Moses and David that God would never stop loving them (2 Samuel 7:5)? c) The Land of Israel What has happened to God’s promise to give the people this land (Deut 1:8)? d) The centre of God’s promise What has become of Jerusalem, ‘Mt Zion, the city of the great King’ (Ps 48:2)? e) The fate of Jerusalem ‘How like a widow is she who once was great among the nation!’ (Lamentations 1:1) f) The fate of the people ‘How can we sing the songs of the Lord in a foreign land?’ (Psalm 137:4) Sketch Map Middle East around the time of Daniel’s prophecy 605 – 536 BC Caspian Sea  Carchemish  Nineveh capital of ASSYRIA MEDIA World power World power 800-625BC 538-331BC R Euphrates R Tigris Mediterranean  Damascus Sea capital of SYRIA  Samaria capital of ISRAEL  Babylon  Susa destroyed by Assyria 722BC  capital of Jerusalem capital of JUDAH capital destroyed by Babylon 587BC BABYLONIA of R Nile World power ELAM 625-539BC Approx 500 km or 310 miles Persian EGYPT Red Sea Gulf 5

Key Dates (BC) Assyria 721 10 Northern tribes of Israel dispersed among Assyrian Empire 621 Nineveh, capital of Assyria, falls to the Babylonians Babylon 605 Babylonians defeat Egypt at Carchemish Nebuchadnezzar, emperor of Babylon, annexes Judah, carries off some Temple vessels and youth of nobility (including Daniel) 597 Jehoiakim of Judah rebels. Succeeded by son Jehoiachin -3 months. Nebuchadnezzar returns and crushes the revolt removing the Leaders and the professional classes. Zedekiah placed as a puppet King 587 Zedekiah rebelled. Jerusalem crashed and destroyed. Mass deportation of population to Babylon. Persia 539 Cyrus allows the Jews to return 486 Xerxes 1 (known as ‘Ahasuerus’ in the book of Esther) 331 Darius III Greece 334-33 Alexander the Great conquers the Persian Empire 323 Death of Alexander – empire divided into 4. Predominant are: The Ptolemies of Egypt (‘the Kings of the South’ ch 11) and The Seleucids in Syria (‘the Kings of the North’). 175-164 Antiochus Epiphanes (Seleucid King) 167 The abomination of Desolation – ie altar to Zeus in the Temple 165-164 Victories of Judas Maccabeus and the cleansing of the Temple Dates in Daniel ch 1 Nebuchadnezzar took Jews into exile inc Daniel and royal youth. 605 BC ch 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s 1 dream 604 BC st nd ch 4 Nebuchadnezzar’s 2 dream, ? the year of Jerusalem’s destruction 587 BC ch 5 Nebuchadnezzar died - 562 BC son Nabodinus away fighting; grandson Belshazzar in charge till 539 BC ch 6 Darius (Cyrus) and the lions’ den c539 BC rd ch 10 3 year of reign of Cyrus 536 BC 6

Study 1 Daniel 1 Daniel’s training in Babylon Background information Daniel and his friends were brought into an environment that was affluent, materialistic and godless. The king of Babylon wanted to eliminate God from their consciousness and so a comprehensive process of education and ‘brainwashing’ began. Word List 1 Jehoiakim A ‘bad’ king, though son of good king Josiah. 3 Ashpenaz responsible for education of royal princes and well- being of the king’s harem 4 Well informed etc In Hebrew usage these words have ethical and religious overtones literature… polytheistic texts on magic, sorcery, charms, astrology etc. 5 food…king’s table A special honour to be served this 6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah These Hebrew names all include ‘el’ (God) or ‘yah’ (The LORD) 7 Belteshazzar might mean: ‘lady protect the king’. Marduk (title Bel) the chief ‘god’ of Babylonia had a ‘wife’, Belet. Shadrach ‘I am very fearful (of god)’ Meschach ‘I am of little account’ Abednego ‘servant of the shining one’ – wordplay on a god’s name 8 not to defile himself in eastern thinking, sharing a meal amounted to committing oneself to friendship/loyalty 20 ten times a common idiom, hyperbole. 21 remained until …Cyrus ie from 606 to 539BC Bible Connections Jehoiakim’s reign see 2 Kings 23:36-24:6; 2 Chronicles 36:5-8 Honouring God see 1 Cor 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2; Phil 2:14-16 God intervening on behalf of his people see 1 Kings 8:50; Psalm 106:46 Wisdom is God’s gift see Colossians 1:9; 2:9,10 7

LOOK 1) The Text What questions does the passage raise? 2 Why did the Lord deliver Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar’s hands What did the removal of the Temple gold mean? 3 Why did the King select & train the Hebrew nobility for 3 years? 6 Why did they give them new names 8 How was eating and drinking royal food defiling himself? 8-11 Why did Daniel not just refuse to eat the food? 15 Why did the other young men not do the same ? 17 Why did God give wisdom to these four? 19 How did he find none to equal them? 21 Why does it put the duration of Daniel ministry there? What surprises or confuses you? 15 Not all Hebrew youngsters were involved in this 2) The Context individual book 2 God giving power (2:37; 4:25; 5:18; 7:6; 8:12) Vessels used in Belshazzar’s feast (5:2) 4 Study magic of soothsayers (2:2) 8 A people who know their God are strong and do exploits (11:32) Self denial for a time (10:3) 17 understanding dreams etc a gift of God (2:30) 21 As for you, go your way until the end (12:13) whole Bible 2 The Lord in control ( Ex12:12) Alien and stranger (1Pet 2:11) 4 cf Joseph (Gen 41:33) 8 defiling self with foreign food (1Cor 8) 11 God among men (John 1:1) Resurrection is the proof (1 Cor 15:7) 21 Cyrus – the end of the exile (Is44:28; 45:1) 8

LEARN 1) How do you answer the questions that the passage raises? 2 Because of the continuing sin of the people of God, It showed Judah had gone from partner to conquered nation 3 He wanted to assimilate the Jewish nation into his culture 6 New names showed a new allegiance 8 It was conforming to their patterns / instructions 8-11 If he had so refused it would have been taken as rebellion. 15 The others had not been so called by God 17 He gave them wisdom because they were His chosen vessels. 19 Their answers were superior to his other advisers 21 First chapter is introduction to whole book / his whole ministry 2) How do you resolve issues that surprised or confused you? 15 Only Daniel and his 3 friends were chosen for this service 3) Give an overall ‘picture’ of the passage in a few sentences. God gave Judah over to Babylon and the contents of the Temple were plundered.. Some of the top young ruling class were taken to assimilate them. Daniel and his friends resolved to resist by not eating the food and drinking the wine God made the chief official an accomplice in this. God made them shine with knowledge and understanding above all the magicians and enchanters. Daniel remained in the court for 66 years. LISTEN 1) What is the lesson or the main point? God is in complete control of all things for his people (2) 2) Which verse best sums up the passage’s message? v 2 3) How do you think it does this? God is shown to be in total command. Unseen, he is ordering events to fulfil his purposes. 9

LIVE 1) What does it show about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? a) His nature and character? 2 God punishes His people 3 God directs our paths unseen 8 God can work in and through those who are not his own 9 God provides for our needs / His purposes 17 God gives natural and supernatural abilities b) His grace? 2,9 God does not write off a rebellious people 17 God freely gives his ability c) Jesus / His salvation? God places his chosen one to lead / deliver His people 2) What should I do? 2 Don’t put my trust in earthly things, even ones that God has used 8 Resolve first to be dedicated to Him 10 Don’t try to force an issue when God has not yet revealed his hand 18 Let God control the events of man 21 Be prepared for ‘the long haul’ in the work of God 10

Study 2 Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Background information It does not say why Nebuchadnezzar’s mind was troubled. In 604-603 BC he had to use considerable effort to ensure that taxes were paid in different parts of his empire. Perhaps such a show of prestige hid a fear of inadequacy. The ‘dream experts’ worked on the principle that dreams and their sequels followed an empirical law which, given sufficient data, could be established. Known ‘dream manuals’ listed historical dreams and the events that followed them. They were very long and complicated and only the expert could find his way through them. According to eastern superstition it was ominous not to be able to remember a dream. Word List 31 statue Aramaic word means statue not idol; it was in human form 49 at royal court equivalent to a position of cabinet rank today. Bible connections 17 Support of friends see also Exodus 17:8-13; Mark 14:32-41 18 Daniel’s response is confident prayer see Heb 4:14-16; Rom 8:28 20b-23 This little psalm is a model of thanksgiving cf Ephesians 3:20-21 Some ‘Dreams’ in the Bible: Jacob at Bethel: Genesis 28:10-17 Joseph as child: Genesis 37:1-11; as an adult: Genesis 40:1-40 Gideon: Judges 7:9-15 Daniel: chapters 2 and 4 Joseph, Wise men: Matthew 1:20; 2:12; 2:13, 19, 22 Some ‘Visions’ in the Bible Sometimes the Bible uses the word ‘vision’, which appears to mean something different from a dream. OT Daniel 7-12 records ‘visions’. NT Peter and Cornelius: vision’, ‘trance’: Acts 10:3,11. Paul: ‘vision’: Acts 16:9. 11

LOOK 1) The Text What questions does the passage raise? 1 Why in second year of reign? 4 Why in Aramaic? 5 What does extreme consequence of not interpreting show? 8 Why is the King so suspicious? 11 What does their admission mean? 12 Why was the king so angry? 14 What do ‘wisdom and tact’ mean? 17 Why did he share with the others? 20ff What did he praise God for? 25 Why did Arioch believe Daniel? 27 Why doesn’t Daniel answer ‘yes’? 30 Why had Daniel been given the interpretation? 36 Why does he use ‘we’ here? 37 Who gives dominion and power? 39ff What are the Kingdoms? 44 What is the eternal Kingdom? 46 Why did the King fall prostrate before him? 48 What was the position offered to Daniel? What surprises or confuses you? 48 Why was he satisfied with it? Why not ask to go home? 2) The Context surrounding passage 14 wisdom and tact with the chief official (1:8-13) 17 an interpreter of dreams (1:17b) 22 much that Daniel doesn’t know (eg 7:27; 12:9) individual book 17f Daniel at prayer (cf chs 5,7 &9) whole Bible 1 The Lord awakes the King (cf Esther 6:1) 2 Magicians and sorcerers (Genesis 41:8; Exodus 7:11) 11 God did live among men in Jesus (John 1:1) 18 God of Heaven is title used in post exilic books (Ezra, Nehemiah) 19b cf songs: Moses (Ex 15); Deborah (Ju 5) Hannah (1 Sam 2:1-10) Jonah (Jonah 2) Habakkuk (Hab 3); Mary (Luke 1:46-55) 12

27 cf Joseph & Pharaoh (Gen 41:16) ‘Modesty’ - Clay pot with treasure within (2 Cor 4:7) 44 fill the earth (Habakkuk 2:14) Bible story There is a foreshadowing (44) of the Kingdom of God that came through Jesus (Mark 1:1:15; Mark 9:1) LEARN 1) How do you answer the questions that the passage raises? 1 It was still early days and Nebuchadnezzar was insecure 4 It was the common tongue. This was a message for all peoples(?) 5 He sensed the importance of the dream and was terrified 8 Because he felt so insecure (?) 11 They had no understanding of eternal reality 12 He did understood the importance and was frightened by it 14 ‘wisdom’ = God given right words ‘tact’ = deferential words 17 They needed to seek God to know the dream AND its meaning 20ff He controls all things, human and natural. He knows all things and reveals them to whom he chooses. He has chosen to reveal the dream to Daniel 25 Arioch believed Daniel because God ordained it (cf 1:9?) 27 He was deferring to God, the one who had revealed the meaning 30 He had been given it for the king’s sake 36 He uses it to show the involvement of his friends (cf2:17) 37 God has given dominion and power to Nebuchadnezzar 39ff They are unspecified, limited and will be destroyed 44 The Kingdom of God 46 In honour of the God Daniel represented 48 Second in command to the king 2) How do you resolve issues that surprised or confused you? 48 His goal was to serve God and his timing. He was fulfilling God’s purpose where he had set him. 3) Give an overall ‘picture’ of the passage in a few sentences. The new, insecure king has a dream of vital importance. He issues a total ultimatum to all his wise men to tell him the dream and its meaning on pain of death. Daniel alone is calmly able to do it, through the power of his God, the Lord of all. 13

LISTEN 1) What is the lesson or the main point? Man’s kingdoms end, God’s kingdom does not 2) Which verse best sums up the passage’s message? V 44 LIVE 1) What does it show about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? a) In general? 1 The Lord can awaken people if he has something to tell them! 20 God is in control of all things 25 God enlist allies for his purposes from people of the world 37 God gives all power even to blood thirsty tyrants b) His grace? 18 We are all in need of / dependent on God’s mercy c) Jesus / His salvation? 11 the God’s did live among men in Jesus 44 The Kingdom of God (and its subjects) will never end 2) What should I do? 5 Note - Fear produces an irrational response 14 Note - If God is in control you don’t need to shout! 17 Rely on the support/ prayer of other Christians 27 Give God the credit he is due 30 If God uses me, stay humble and recognise the purpose He is trying to achieve 48 Don’t let mistakenly-given ‘lavish gifts’ turn my focus from the Lord. 14

Study 3 Daniel 3 The image of gold and the fiery furnace Background information The size of the image and its shape are both remarkable – it was about the same height as the date-palms 60 cubits (90ft) that still grow in the plains of Iraq and almost as slender at 6 cubits (9ft )in width. It must have been more like an obelisk than a statue (The Colossus of Rhodes was 105ft high) Furnaces in Babylon were connected with the firing of clay bricks. The fuel used was charcoal which, with the draught, provided the high temperatures necessary. Some large brick kilns have been excavated outside Babylon. Word List 1 Dura possibly Tell Der, 27km SW of present day Baghdad Satraps Provincial governors (Highest rank , then declining order of power – prefects, governors etc) 8 Astrologers or the Chaldeans, the dream experts denounced maliciously accused ie slandered 19 seven times more a proverbial expression 26 Most High God Jewish title for God 30 promoted caused to prosper /‘showered favours on’ Bible connections 26 Most High God Genesis 14:17-22; Numbers 24:16, Psalm 7:10; Isaiah 14:14; Daniel 7:18,25,27 28 angel see also Psalm 34:7 Deliverance in trials see Isaiah 43:1-2; John 12:26; Romans 8:28 15

LOOK 1) The Text What questions does the passage raise? 1 Where was the Nebuchadnezzar of 2:46? 2 Who was it dedicated to? 6 Why the universal threat? 8 Why did they denounce the Jews? 13 Why was Nebuchadnezzar so angry (cf 2:18)? 15 What did Neb mean by ‘What God will be able to rescue you?” 16 Why did they not need to defend themselves? 18 Why did they not plead for mercy (cf 2:18)? 19 What had the king’s attitude been to them before? Why 7 times hotter? 25 What does ‘a son of the gods’ look like? 26 Why did he call them ‘servants of the Most High God’?’ 28 Why his ‘angel’? 29 Why did Neb. not decree that all had to worship S,M&A’s God? What surprises or confuses you? Why is there no mention of Daniel? The repetition of - instruments (3:5,7,10,15) - People, satraps etc (3:2,3,27) - Shad, Mes & Abed (3:12,13,14,16,19,20,22,26,28,29,30) 2) The Context surrounding passage 1 Neb. the head of Gold (2:38) 13 The king furious with rage (2:12; 3:19) 16f The God of heaven has given you power (2:37, 38) 29 The King fully realised this in 4:37 individual book 15 from your hand (1:2) 28 Angel looks like a son of the gods (25, cf 7:13) whole Bible 1 A work of man’s hands (Isaiah 40:19) No room for God (Psalm 104:4) 2 Have no idols (Exodus 20:4) 8 Accuser of the brothers (Rev 12:10) there will be opposition (John 15:18-21; 2 Tim 3:12) ) 16

12 Critical of those who stand by the Truth (Jude 3) 14 Chose whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15) Serve God or Mammon (Luke 16:13) 17 able to save: to the uttermost (Heb 7:25) ; to keep you from falling ( Jude 24): to do immeasurably more ( Eph 3:20) to make grace abound (2 Cor 9:8) to subdue all things (Phil 3:21) ; to help those tempted ( Heb 2:18) The faithful who ‘quenched the flames’ (Heb 11:34) 18 If he does not – our ways are not his (Isaiah 55:8,9) His ways are beyond finding out (Romans 11:23) Heaven is better! (Philippians 1:21) 19 Jesus warned of opposition to faith (John 16:33) 20 Persecution for his name’s sake (1 Pet 3:18-25) 21 Dressed by Babylon but heart is for God (Matt 6:21) 25 God always wins (Acts 5:38,39) 26 Most High God cf God of Heaven (2:18,19,37,44) ‘When you walk through the fire you will not be burned ’(Is 43:2) LEARN 1) How do you answer the questions that the passage raises? 1 In (2:46) Neb was speaking of Daniel’s God – D’s personal God ? 2 Dedicated to himself? (cf 2:38) 6 Still feeling insecure? 8 Denounces Jews because they were different, superior, successful. They were jealous of them? 13 His anger was part of his insecurity 15 He didn’t think that Daniel’s God could help them! ? 16 They believed God was in complete control 18 Mercy was from God not from man 19 The king had feted and favoured them before (2:49f) Seven is the perfect Jewish number? 25 A ‘son of the gods’ looks majestic? 26 He acknowledged their belief that the Jewish God alone ruled in heaven. 28 His ‘angel’ was his messenger 29 Neb. did not decree that all had to worship the God of S,M&A, because as yet he himself did not. 17

2) How do you resolve issues that surprised or confused you? Daniel did not pick a fight with the King by publically disobeying his command. At that moment he was above reproach so the opposition picked the ‘lower fruit’ – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Repetition is part of storytelling style, increasing the drama? 3) Give an overall ‘picture’ of the passage in a few sentences. The King sought to unite his empire in worship of his gold image. Out of devotion to the God of the Jews, S M & A would not obey. The king was incensed, his favour removed and in rage he had them thrown into the furnace. He saw their deliverance by an angel of the Lord and decreed no one in his empire should say anything against the Lord. LISTEN 1) What is the lesson or the main point? God’s people are wholly devoted to Him. 2) Which verse best sums up the passage’s message? V 18 LIVE 1) What does it show about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? a) In general? 24 the Lord is with you whatever the furnace 26 something compellingly attractive about the Lord’s work b) His grace? 17 We are dependent on God’s grace to save us c) Jesus / His salvation? 17 God is able to save to the uttermost (Heb 7:25) 28 God rescues his servants by sending Jesus 18

2) What should I do? 2 Note - Kingdoms of this world – politics, business etc. - demand total obedience. 6 Note – Non-conformity with the world’s demands risks total exclusion / rejection. 8 Note - Jealousy is readily used by the devil to subvert God’s people 15 Note - The world does not exclude other gods but demands total devotion to its own 18 As God’s people be devoted to him come what may. 19 Note - Resistance to the world may result in extreme unpopularity Note - All force at its disposal is invoked against non-conformists 21 Note - Minor elements (dress) are for compromise 27 Note - Miraculous signs of the Lord’s working are demonstrable 28 Note - Witness of God is not worship 30 Note - The world may favour God’s people but not worship God 19

Study 4 Daniel 4 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree Background information This chapter belongs to the period when Nebuchadnezzar’s great building projects had been completed. It is written in the accepted style of ancient letter-writing with the author naming himself and those whom he is addressing. The illness referred to, known as lycanthropy, is well attested in pre-scientific times. Nebuchadnezzar was evidently aware of some degree of guilt which worked itself out, first in the dream and then in delusions. It would seem from other writings, not in the Aramaic text (the Old Greek Story of Daniel), that this happened in the 18 year of Nebuchadnezzar’s th reign. In Jeremiah 52:59 this is given as the year of the final fall of Jerusalem and the exile of the whole Jewish nation. Word List 2 Most High God A Hebrew title for God 8 ‘spirit of the holy gods” i.e. Daniel is ‘very spiritual’ 13 messenger watcher or watchman 16 times Aramaic word iddanin is not specifically ‘years’; it can signify ‘seasons’ 26 Heaven synonym for God (unknown elsewhere in OT) Bible connections God exalts the lowest of men see 1 Sam 2:8; Psalm 113:7,8; Luke 1:52 25b-27 Good deeds are the fruit of repentance see Acts 26:20 34 Suffering has a kindly role cf John 11:4 34-35 Song of praise - reminiscent of Psalms 145:13; 115:3; Isaiah 40:17; 14:27 37 God humbles the proud see Job 31:4; 40:11-12; Isaiah 13:11; Matthew 23:12 20

LOOK 1) The Text What questions does the passage raise? 1 Why does the passage begin so abruptly? 3 Why does he not mention the place of mankind? Cf (35)? 5 Why was he so terrified by his dream 8 Why did Daniel come in so late? 16 Why 7 times? 17 Why is Daniel’s Babylonian name referred to and used 19 Why is Daniel so considerate of his master? 27 Was it possible for Neb to avoid the fate of his sins? 29 Why did the Lord wait for twelve months to pass? 34 What did ‘raise his eyes towards heaven’ involve? 35 What characterises his worship? 36 Why was everything restored to the King? What surprises or confuses you? Why does the passage start in the first person (1-18), move to the 3 rd person (19-33), and then return to the first person (34-37) 2) The Context surrounding passage 9 spirit of the holy gods (5:11,13) 35 Neb defends God of S,M& A but doesn’t commit himself.( 3:29) individual book 5 His mind previously troubled (2:1) amazed (3:24) whole Bible 10 A king and Kingdom represented by a tree (Ezekiel 31:6) 13 the messenger/ holy one does the Lord’s bidding (Ps 103:20-21) 16 7 the complete Jewish number (Genesis 2:2) 25 Every knee will bow (Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:9-11) 28 A day is as a thousand years (2 Peter 3:9) 30 Pride (Prov 16:5; Luke 1:51, 1 Cor 13:4, James 4:6) Boast (1 Cor 1:31) 34 Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart (Heb 3:8) 37 Upright and just (Deut 32:4; Ps25:8) 21

LEARN 1) How do you answer the questions that the passage raises? 1 The abrupt start puts Nebuchadnezzar firmly in centre stage 3 He wants to retain his position as an equal of the Most High. 5 Because he had to acknowledge this was the unquestionable decision of the rule of the universe 8 It was many years since ch 3, perhaps Neb felt he was in charge and did not need Daniel 16 7 times is symbol of God’s perfect time of his choice 17 Neb used it because still himself as the Lord’s equal 19 Because it was God’s calling to him 27 No. God’s judgement was set 29 The Lord waited for His ‘right time’ 34 It signifies it was an act of worship 35 It shows his complete willing submission 36 It was an act of God’s grace 2) How do you resolve issues that surprised or confused you? rd Putting the middle in the 3 person emphasises that God is at the centre /in complete charge. 3) Give an overall ‘picture’ of the passage in a few sentences. Nebuchadnezzar believes about God. He has a disturbing dream showing a mighty tree reduced to a stump seven times. Daniel, his faithful servant reluctantly interprets it as meaning the king will be reduced until he acknowledges God most High is Lord of all. This happens. Neb is then restored but now shows he believes in God. LISTEN 1) What is the lesson or the main point? All must acknowledge that God is in complete control 2) Which verse best sums up the passage’s message? v 25 22

LIVE 1) What does it show about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? a) In general? 29 The Lord is in complete control – he is not in a hurry! b) His grace? 34 he Lord restores his sanity c) Jesus / His salvation? 19 Daniel willed a blessing on Neb the despotic, conquering tyrant. Cf Jesus and us (Luke23:34; Ephesians 2:4-5) 2) What should I do? 19 We are called to serve and submit where the Lord puts us 31 I should never think I have outflanked God 37 Commitment to the Lord is total surrender 23

Study 5 Daniel 5 The writing on the wall Background information Chapter 5 jumps to 539BC, the very end of the Babylonian empire, the night on which the besieged city fell to the Medes and Persians and its last ruler was killed. Daniel was an elderly man by this time. It would seem that Nabodinus, the emperor, was away fighting. His son, King Belshazzar, the crown prince, was at home and ‘in charge’ (?) Hence his offer to Daniel to become third in line (5:7.16,29) Daniel’s interpretation of what Belshazzar saw was based not on the nouns in verses 25 and 26 (mene, tekel, parsin) but on verbs associated with them viz ‘numbered’, ‘weighed’ (or ‘assessed’) and ‘shared’ . Word List 2 father predecessor or ancestor also in v11, 13 5 lampstand may have been unusual; word not known elsewhere 7 purple expensive, so used for royalty gold chain symbol of office third ruler may be an army rank, or meant literally ie third ruler after Nabonidus and Belshazzar 10 queen or queen mother ie Belshazzar’s mother came into… against normal protocol (cf Esther 4:11) 22 son descendant or successor 30 Darius the Mede name unknown to history apart from this book; likely to be same person as Cyrus the Persian. (The ‘Darius’ mentioned in Ezra and Nehemiah is someone else, of a later time.) Bible connections 1 Extravagant feast cf Esther 1 18 Attributes here are ascribed to the Lord elsewhere in Scripture see 1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Revelation 5:13 26 Our days are numbered see Psalm 90; Jesus’ parable in Luke 12:20 Futility of setting ourselves above God see Isaiah 14:13; Jeremiah 50:29 24

LOOK 1) The Text What questions does the passage raise? 1 Why did Belshazzar give a great banquet? 2 Why the emphasis on drinking wine (2,4) 3 What was the significance of the goblets from the Temple 5 Why a ‘human’ hand? 6 Why was he so frightened? 7 What did his offer mean? Why did he give his word twice (also vs 16) 8 Why the queen or queen mother? 11 Why did she repeat –‘ your father the King’ 12 Why did queen call him ‘Daniel’ Why did Belshazzar not know about Daniel 17 Why did Daniel not receive the gifts 21/22 What was the difference between Bel and Neb.? 23 How had B. ‘set himself up against the Lord of Heaven’? 29 Why did B give Daniel the clothes, gold and position when he had been told he was was about to die? 30 Why was he having a banquet when in such danger? What surprises or confuses you? 1 Why does the story jump from 4.37f to Belshazzar without explanation? 2) The Context surrounding passage 17 cf Daniel’s attitude to Nebuchadnezzar (4:17) 21 Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God (4:17,25,37) individual book 29 Contrast Belshazzar with Nebuchadnezzar (2:5) yet it was Nebuchadnezzar who believed / submitted (21,22) whole Bible 4 cf the choice to worship other Gods (Romans 1:21-23) 6 cf the last judgement (Rev 20:11,12) dreadful to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb 10:31) 9 God didn’t give us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7) The spirit leads us into all truth (John 16:13) 10ff Pilate’s wife (Matt 27:19) Being a part but not party to events (2Cor6:14-7:1) The Lord is gracious not wanting any to perish. (2 Pet.3:9) 25

11 Generational ‘slippage’ (cf Exodus 1:8; Judges 18:30) Today if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts (Hebrews 3:7) 18 Rulers do so by God’s plan (Romans 13:1-4) His ways are unsearchable (Romans 11:33; Job 26:14) 23 Honour the God who gave himself for you.(1 Cor 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20) The God who is the judge (1 Cor 3:13-15; 2 Cor 5:6-10) 22 Humble yourself before God (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6) 25 God speaks so we understand/are without excuse (Rom 1:20) 26 Our days are numbered (Ps 90:9-12) 30 Judgment comes ‘suddenly’ (cf v5; Lukek 12:20; 1Thess 5:2) LEARN 1) How do you answer the questions that the passage raises? 1 It indicates his ignorance or a lack of concern 2 The wine made them careless and ineffectual 3 It showed a complete disrespect for the God of the Jews 5 a ‘human’ hand showed it was a message for all people 6 Because he discerned the voice of God 7 It meant he understood importance of the writing on wall 8 She had access to the hall but was not party to the events 11 To emphasise it was Neb who had acknowledged who Daniel was 12 She said ‘Daniel’ because she was a believer in God of Israel He didn’t know because time had passed and Daniels work was forgotten 17 Daniel knew the fate that was coming? 21 Neb repented and believed, Bel (the ‘nice’ one) didn’t. 23 They had denigrated his worship by misusing goblets from Jerusalem temple 29 B was ‘nice’, he kept his word; he hoped gifts might affect his future 30 He was careless or ignorant of the danger 2) How do you resolve issues that surprised or confused you? 1 It skips straight to Belshazzar to mark the contrast with King N 3) Give an overall ‘picture’ of the passage in a few sentences. King Belshazzar had no regard for the God of Israel. At his lowest point God confronts him in a vision which God’s servant Daniel 26

interprets – ‘His days are numbered he has been weighed and found wanting His kingdom will fall’. He doesn’t repent and immediately he loses his life and his kingdom’. LISTEN 1) What is the lesson or the main point? Calculated defiance of God will be punished 2) Which verse best sums up the passage’s message? V23,24a LIVE 1) What does it show about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? a) In general? 1 God is in no hurry 26 God communicates so we can hear/understand judgment. 30 God judges ‘suddenly’ (cf vs 5) b) His grace? 10 God graciously appeals through his worldly agents 18 God gives us everything c) Jesus / His salvation? 22 Salvation is for those humbled before Jesus (Phil 2:10) 2) What should I do? 1 Don’t think that success means approval by God 2-4 Note - Defiance of God might feel good at the time ‘It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God’ 9 Fear God - The unknown is the most terrifying thing e.g death itself. 12 Be ready to serve God even tho’ there are no worldly prospects 17 Be discerning when accepting the plaudits of men 22 Humble myself before God. 27

Study 6 Daniel 6 Daniel in the den of lions Background information The Persian empire, which incorporated that of the Medes, a vast area forming an arc to the north of the Babylonian territories, extended eventually as far west as Asia Minor (Turkey), Libya and Egypt, and as far east as the Indus river and the Aral Sea. It was the largest empire the world had yet seen. Under Darius, Daniel now in his eighties(?) played a significant part in administration and the king was set to promote him further. The other administrators are jealous of his success and try to depose him but can find no way unless they involve the law of Daniel’s God. In the ancient Near East, lion-hunting, was the sport of kings. The pit in which they were kept also provided a trouble-free way of disposing of undesirable members of society in Roman as well as Persian times. Throwing false accusers and their families to the lions was according to the accepted standards in Persian society. Word List 1 Darius the Mede name unknown to history apart from this book, likely to be same person as Cyrus the Persian. 2 Satraps Provincial governors not suffer loss ie in territory due to uprisings, or in taxation due to corruption 7 all agreed verb used is a little weak; collusion and conspiracy are implied 10 windows in that part of the world, windows are small and high 28 and has the force of ‘namely’ or ‘that is’ see v1 Bible Connections 8,12,15 Laws of the Medes and Persians cannot be revoked see Esther 1:19; 8:8 10 Windows opened towards Jerusalem see 1 Kings 8:41-43; 2 Chron 6:34 17 Stone sealing the den cf Matthew 27:66 21 Dominion over the beasts see Isaiah 11:6; 65:25; Hosea 2:18 25-27 Decree of Darius, cf that of Nebuchadnezzar in 3:29 28

LOOK 1) The Text What questions does the passage raise? 1,2 Why the numbers 120, 3 and 1? 3 What did being set over the whole kingdom mean 7 How did they keep the conspiracy from Daniel? How did they justify such a request? Why thirty days 8 Why put the decree in writing? Why is such an absolute ruler so bound by his own Word? 10 Why ‘when Daniel learned’..? Why towards Jerusalem which was a pile of rubble? 11 Why did Daniel not fight it before men? What help was he was asking for? 13 Why did they mention ‘exiles from Judah’? 14 Why was the king so distressed? Why was the king unable to rescue him What efforts did he make till sundown 16 What does ‘your God whom you serve continually’ mean? 17 Why was the den sealed? 19 Why did the king hurry off to the den the next morning? 20 Why did he repeat ‘whom you serve continually’? Why was he ‘anguished’? 21 Why did Daniel answer ‘O king live forever’ cf (6) 22 Why does he justify his deliverance with his innocence 23 Why was the king overjoyed? Why ‘no wound’ linked to ‘trusted in his God’ 24 Why their wives and children as well? 25 Why did he write to all the peoples? 26 How did he know that God’s dominion would never end? What surprises or confuses you? 21 Daniel honoured the king and willed him to ‘live forever’ even after he had been put in the lion’s den 2) The Context individual book 10 prayer from his youth (1:8,9; 2:17,18) 26 cf Nebuchadnezzar’s profession (4:34,35) 29

whole Bible 1 In his youth Daniel been instructed by Jeremiah of God’s faithfulness (Lam 3:22-27) 3 Daniel set over the whole kingdom (cf Jesus Mt 28:18) Daniel, over 80 (cf Moses Ex 7:7; Ps 92:12-15; Isaiah 40:28-31) 4 ‘Without spot or blemish’ (cf Jesus Eph 5:27) Jealous colleagues cf the disciples (Mark 10:41) False accusations (cf Jesus Matt 26:59) Share with Jesus – Persecution, hate (John 15:18-20, 25; 16:2,33) To some smell of death, to others fragrance of life (2 Cor 2:16) Persecution inevitable (2 Tim 3:12) 5 No charge (cf Jesus Matt 26:59-60) 8 God is bound by his word (Heb 6:16) 11 Asking for help/Lord’s will? cf Garden of Gethsemane (Lk 22:42) The honour of suffering for the Lord (Acts 5:40,41) Pray with thanksgiving (Phil 4:6) The upstairs room (Lk 22:12) 11 The devil watches for an opportunity (Luke 4:13; 1 Pet 5:6-9) 14 The king wanted to release him (Luke 23:30) 16 Ready to live or die? (Phil 1:19-26) 17 The tomb is sealed cf Jesus’ (Matt 27:62-66) 19 At first light (Matt 28:1) 22 Peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7,9b) Without sin (Heb 4:15) The wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23) 23 Your faith has healed you (Cf Luke 8:48) th rd 24 Punished to 3 and 4 generation (Exodus 20:5) 26 Saved to the uttermost (Heb 7:25) 30

LEARN 1) How do you answer the questions that the passage raises? 1 Significant – apostles (x10) (Luke 9:1) 3 disciples whom Jesus loved (John 13:23; 21:20) 3 It meant he would be second to the King 7 By subterfuge Pleading it was good for the empire and the king? cf 30 days of mourning (Deut 34:3); sets of clothes (Judg 14:12); pieces of silver (Mt.26:15) 8 Writing is irrefutable –for all to see The absolute, God, is bound by his word 10 Daniel only heard about it when someone told him Towards Jerusalem = a statement of faith in Judah’s God 11 He believed God was in charge He was asking for help on how to be faithful to God in the situation? 13 They were noticeably ‘different’ (from small nation but with great power in Darius’ kingdom) 14 He respected Daniel and His God Because his written word was supreme Try to persuade Daniel not to worship God (openly?) for the month? 16 It acknowledged his respect for Daniel and his God 17 The den was sealed so there could be no external interference 19 He hoped Daniel / His God had overcome the lions 20 He was sure of Daniel’s faithfulness but unsure of his God Because of his personal commitment to Daniel and his guarded belief in Daniel’s God 21 It was a standard greeting acknowledging the King / his authority’ 22 Death would have been a judgment on his sin 23 He believed in Daniel’s innocence and now acknowledged his God His trust in God had saved him 24 The judgment was on them and their line 25 He wrote to all the peoples about the king of all the earth 26 He knew it would never end because he knew the King 2) How do you resolve issues that surprised or confused you? Daniel continued to honour the king because he recognised that it was his word (inadvertently given), that could not be changed 31

3) Give an overall ‘picture’ of the passage in a few sentences. Blameless servant, Daniel, was sentenced to death at mob’s behest. God delivered him from death, His enemies were defeated. He was exalted to the highest place to the Glory of God. (cf Phil 2:5-10) LISTEN 1) What is the lesson or the main point? ‘Those who trust in the Lord/ serve him continually, will be saved’ 2) Which verse best sums up the passage’s message? V23b LIVE 1) What does it show about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? a) In general? 26 God is the living God (26b) all powerful, eternal (26c) He saves completely (27a) b) His grace? 21 God’s grace is exhibited by his people c) Jesus / His salvation? 23/27b He saved Daniel (those who trust in him) (note - many parallels with Jesus) 2) What should I do? 1/2 ‘promotion’ is God’s work in His time 4 As servants of God be ‘trustworthy (not negligent or corrupt’) 5 As servants of God always put his commands first 6 Beware being hurried into anything without asking the implications for the honour and service of God 10 When things go ‘wrong’, turn to God first.. 14 Note - The choice is put - God or the world nd 24 Note - Evil is/will be rooted out – punished to 2 ,3 ,4 generation rd th 25 Note - The call to revere God is universal 32

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Sharing the Word Use ‘Hearing the Word’ can be used alone, with one other person, or in a group Preparing for a group Time put in alone beforehand will greatly benefit time spent together. Work through the stages - LOOK, LEARN, LISTEN, LIVE. Write down your own questions and answers * A format If you have 45 mins together, you might like to try dividing it up like this. (If longer or in a large group, you can extend the times) 1) Drink, bite to eat, chat (10 mins) 2) A Bible reading ( 2 mins) 3) A Bible study a. Any questions? (Whether answer is known or not!) ( 2 mins) (Don’t answer any, till all questions noted!) b. Any relevant cross references? ( 2 mins) c. Discussion of answers (13 mins) d. Conclusion (10 mins) i. A Key verse and Main Point? ii. What does it show about God / Jesus? iii. What should I do? 4) Sharing (Trials and joys – family, work, self) ( 5 mins) 5) Prayer ( 1 min) Remember! As we gather round God’s Word a) Listen to the views of others b) Make room for the novice. They can join in too when you start by listing ‘Any questions’ c) Don’t let the ‘knowledgeable’ dominate. Encourage everyone to think for themselves. d) Try to include others’ especially, ‘seekers’ in your sharing together. * The process is explained and practised in a four-hour course, suitable for all, called ‘An Introduction to ‘Hearing the Word’. Email: [email protected]

“I can read the Bible for myself!” To show that the Bible is accessible to all, the Rev Nigel Barge, minister of Torrance Parish Church, has devised a tool called ‘Hearing the Word’. The Manual explains the basic principles of Bible reading, teaches them by means of an interactive course, and practices them on a single passage, Mark 10:35-45, Participants follow in a Workbook: Hearing the Word - Introduction, which includes the next six passages in Mark, so they may follow on for themselves. As the principles apply equally to all, the course will both instruct the novice and refresh the ‘hardened’ Bible student! Further Study Guides cover various genres of Bible material – Narrative, Poetry, Law, Letters, Prophecy etc. For the current list of material or to place orders, contact Hearing the Word, Torrance Parish Church Office 1, School Road, Torrance, GLASGOW, G64 4BZ Tel: 01360 620970 Email: [email protected] Web www.torranceparishchurch.org.uk Torrance Parish Church, Scottish Charity #SC016058, part of the Church of Scotland