²⁴ He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people.^(A)

¹² Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people^[a] and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.^(A)

¹⁷ For God has put it into their hearts^(A) to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority,^(B) until God’s words are fulfilled.^(C)

³ One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed.^(A) The whole world was filled with wonder^(B) and followed the beast. ⁴ People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like^(C) the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

⁵ The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies^(D) and to exercise its authority for forty-two months.^{(E) 6} It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven.^{(F) 7} It was given power to wage war^(G) against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.^{(H) 8} All inhabitants of the earth^(I) will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life,^(J) the Lamb^(K) who was slain from the creation of the world.^[a](L)

⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear.^(M)

This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness^(O) on the part of God’s people.^(P)

⁷ The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand^(A) and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever,^(B) saying, “It will be for a time, times and half a time.^[a](C) When the power of the holy people^(D) has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.^(E)”

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

³³ “Those who are wise will instruct^(D) many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered.^{(E) 34} When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere^(F) will join them. ³⁵ Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined,^(G) 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^(H) above every god and will say unheard-of things^(I) against the God of gods.^(J) He will be successful until the time of wrath^(K) is completed, for what has been determined must take place.^(L)

²⁵ He will speak against the Most High^(A) and oppress his holy people^(B) and try to change the set times^(C) and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time.^[a](D)

¹² “The ten horns^(A) you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour^(B) will receive authority as kings along with the beast. ¹³ They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.^(C)