21. “In his place a despised person will arise; royal honors will not be given to him, but he will come during a time of peace and seize the kingdom by intrigue.
22. A flood of forces will be swept away before him; they will be shattered, as well as the covenant prince.
23. After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully. He will rise to power with a small nation.
24. During a time of peace, he will come into the richest parts of the province and do what his fathers and predecessors never did. He will lavish plunder, loot, and wealth on his followers, and he will make plans against fortified cities, but only for a time.
25. “With a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will prepare for battle with an extremely large and powerful army, but he will not succeed, because plots will be made against him.
26. Those who eat his provisions will destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall slain.
27. The two kings, whose hearts are bent on evil, will speak lies at the same table but to no avail, for still the end will come at the appointed time.
28. The king of the North will return to his land with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant; he will take action, then return to his own land.
29. “At the appointed time he will come again to the South, but this time will not be like the first.
30. Ships of Kittim will come against him, and being intimidated, he will withdraw. Then he will rage against the holy covenant and take action. On his return, he will favor those who abandon the holy covenant.
31. His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation.
32. With flattery he will corrupt those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will be strong and take action.
33. Those who are wise among the people will give understanding to many, yet they will die by sword and flame, and be captured and plundered for a time.
34. When defeated, they will be helped by some, but many others will join them insincerely.