. . . when the Assyrians destroyed the Northern Kingdom, was that just "because of the evil decisions of violent men" or because God used them as His instruments to punish Israel's idolatry?
. . . when the Babylonians carried away Judea, was that just "because of the evil decisions of violent men" or because God used them as His instruments to punish Judea's sins?
. . . when the Romans conquered Judea, was that just "because of the evil decisions of violent men" or because God used them as His instruments to provide a stable world in which the Gospel would spread rapidly?
The answer to all of the above is, "yes." For those things which Man does with evil intent, God turns to good (Gen. 50:20).
Re post 462; Well said.
Agreed. :-) He knows the end from the beginning, but that doesn't mean He causes it all.