In the book of Daniel, Daniel said Gabriel spoke to him and said, “the ram which you saw having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up” in chapter eight and verse twenty-four of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power” where we read,
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully,
and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
The verse reads, “And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, …” Daniel began with the words, “and his power” or “and his, the fierce king’s, strength and ability” “shall be mighty” which means “will exist as vast, numerous and strong”, “but not by his own power” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover not in any way or manner through the means of his, the fierce king’s, personal strength and ability”: “and he shall destroy wonderfully” which means “and he, the fierce king, will corrupt, ruin, decay and spoil with a surpassing, extraordinary and difficult action”. Daniel shared shared how this “fierce ruler” will indeed have strength and ability, but he will not be the source of it. He will use his ability to corrupt and ruin with extraordinary acts and deeds.
The verse goes on to say, “…and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.” Daniel continued with the words, “and shall prosper” or “and will advance, make progress and be profitable”, “and practice” which means “and fashion, accomplish and produce”, “and shall destroy” or “and will corrupt, ruin, decay and spoil” “the mighty and the holy people” which means “the vast, numerous, strong and sacred, pure and set apart human beings”. Daniel said Gabriel told him that the “fierce ruler” will advance, be profitable, accomplish, produce and corrupt and ruin “people” who are strong and sacred.
When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how this “fierce ruler” will be powerful and strong, however, he will not be the source of his strength and shall use it to bring ruin and corruption in an exceedingly great manner. He will advance and make progress toward ruining, corrupting and spoiling people who are sacred and strong. God will allow this, and for a time this wicked ruler will reign upon the earth. (See Revelation 13:10; 16:6; 17:6; 19:2) His time for ruling will be limited, for God shall intervene. God desires to disrupt and rescue the sinful lives of every person, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days to do so. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us every day of our lives and help us to know He is in control of the future and the “fierce” governing entities who rule.
Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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