How does Daniel 11:15 illustrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers? Setting the Scene in Daniel 11 - Daniel 11 sketches a centuries-long procession of kings from the North (Seleucid) and South (Ptolemaic) realms. - Each rise and fall is announced before it happened, revealing a divine script already written. Daniel 11:15 “Then the king of the North will come, build up siege ramps, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not resist; even their elite troops will lack the strength to stand.” God’s Sovereignty on Display - Foreknowledge: God foretells a specific battle centuries ahead, proving He stands outside time (Isaiah 46:9-10). - Control of outcomes: The Southern forces “will not resist” because the Almighty has decreed their weakness (Daniel 2:21). - Limits of human power: “Even their elite troops” fail; military skill cannot override God’s purpose (Psalm 33:16-17). Historical Fulfillment Highlights Divine Rule - 200 BC: Antiochus III (North) besieges and captures Sidon from Ptolemy V (South). - Southern generals Scopas and his “choice troops” surrender, exactly matching the prophecy. - The precision of the fulfillment underlines that God, not chance, orders global events. Echoes Throughout Scripture - Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD.” - Psalm 2:1-6 – Earthly rulers plot, yet God laughs and installs His chosen King. - Acts 17:26 – He “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” - Revelation 17:17 – God puts it into kings’ hearts to accomplish His purpose. Takeaways for Today - National headlines sit under God’s throne; no regime change surprises Him. - Personal security rests not in human institutions but in the King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15). - Prophecy fulfilled encourages trust: the God who guided Antiochus and Ptolemy guides every current ruler. |
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