Daniel 11:1-20

“And now I will tell you the truth: Behold, three more kings will arise in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than them all. By his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece.” (Daniel 11:2, NKJV)

Honestly, it is difficult to pull a devotional out of today’s study. The reason is that the angel gave Daniel a history lesson in advance. He spoke about two dynasties that would arise from two generals of Alexander the Great—the king of the north and the king of the south. It is fascinating to see how exact these predictions were when compared to secular history. This reveals God’s sovereignty over the kingdoms of men for all time. Nothing escapes His attention; He raises up leaders and puts them down.

There is something else that caught my attention in yesterday’s reading. It is what the angel said before giving Daniel this future history lesson.

“But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth...” (Daniel 10:21, ESV)

These events were written in the “book of truth” before they ever occurred! Does this teach fatalism? In other words, does this mean that events are so fixed in advance by God that people are powerless to change them? And if that is true, then how can God hold people responsible for their actions? We must keep in mind that God’s foreknowledge is not predestination. Just because God knows something in advance doesn’t mean that He causes it. God’s perfect knowledge, even about future events, mysteriously coexists with man’s free will. But to be sure, He has great powers of influence that are hidden from us.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD. Like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1, NKJV)

Rather than exercising mental gymnastics trying to figure all this out, I find it best to simply bow in worship before the wonderful sovereignty of God. And that is what Paul did after discussing God’s sovereignty in election.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33–36, ESV)