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.
35. Some of the wise will fall so that they may be refined, purified, and cleansed until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.
36. “Then the king will do whatever he wants. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and he will say outrageous things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, because what has been decreed will be accomplished.