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.