²⁷ He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’^[a] In the middle of the ‘seven’^[b] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple^[c] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed^(A) is poured out on him.^[d]”^[e]

³⁰ Ships of the western coastlands^(A) will oppose him, and he will lose heart.^(B) Then he will turn back and vent his fury^(C) against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.

³¹ “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice.^(D) Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.^{(E) 32} With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist^(F) him.

³³ “Those who are wise will instruct^(G) many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered.^{(H) 34} When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere^(I) will join them. ³⁵ Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined,^(J) purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

The King Who Exalts Himself

³⁶ “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself^(K) above every god and will say unheard-of things^(L) against the God of gods.^(M) He will be successful until the time of wrath^(N) is completed, for what has been determined must take place.^{(O) 37} He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. ³⁸ Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.