27. These two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and speak lies, but to no avail, for the end will still come at the appointed time.
28. The king of the north will return to his own land with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action and then return to his own land.
29. “At the appointed time he will invade the south again, only this time the outcome will not be as before.
30. The ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his rage against the holy covenant. When he returns, he will favor those who forsake the holy covenant.
31. “His forces will rise up and profane the fortified Temple; they will stop the daily offering and set up the abomination of desolation.
32. With smooth words he will seduce those who act wickedly against the covenant, but the people who know their God will stand strong and prevail.
33. Those who are wise among the people will instruct many, though for many days they will fall by the sword, or be burned, captured or pillaged.
34. When they stumble, they will receive a little help, but many will join them deceitfully.
35. Even some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end—for it will still come at the appointed time.
36. “So the king will do as he pleases, exalting and magnifying himself above every god. He will even speak outrageous things against the God of gods. He will prosper until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decided will be done.
37. He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or the one desired by women, nor will he show regard for any god, but will exalt himself above all.
38. Instead of these, he will honor a god of fortresses—a god his fathers did not acknowledge he will honor with gold, silver, precious stones and costly things.
39. He will attack strong fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will give them authority over many and will parcel out land for a price.