24. When people feel secure, he will invade the richest parts of the provinces and do something that none of his predecessors ever did. He will distribute loot and wealth to his followers. He will invent new ways of attacking fortifications. But this will last only for a little while.
25. “With a large army he will summon his power and courage against the southern king, who will prepare for war with a large, strong army. But the southern king won’t be able to withstand him because of the schemes devised against him.
26. People who eat the king’s rich food will ruin him. His army will be overwhelmed, and many will die in battle.
27. The two kings will both plan to do evil. They will sit at the same table and tell lies. But they will not succeed, because the end must wait until the appointed time.
28. The northern king will return to his country with a lot of wealth. He will be determined to fight against the holy promise. He will take action and return to his own country.