²³ “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.^{(A) 24} The ten horns^(B) are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. ²⁵ He will speak against the Most High^(C) and oppress his holy people^(D) and try to change the set times^(E) and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time.^[a](F)

²⁶ “‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed^(G) forever. ²⁷ Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms^(H) under heaven will be handed over to the holy people^(I) of the Most High.^(J) His kingdom will be an everlasting^(K) kingdom, and all rulers will worship^(L) and obey him.’

¹⁴ They are demonic spirits^(A) that perform signs,^(B) and they go out to the kings of the whole world,^(C) to gather them for the battle^(D) on the great day^(E) of God Almighty.