²³ “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 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) 25} He will cause deceit^(B) to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes.^(C) Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.^(D)

²⁶ After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death^(A) and will have nothing.^[a] The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood:^(B) War will continue until the end, and desolations^(C) have been decreed.^{(D) 27} He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’^[b] In the middle of the ‘seven’^[c] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple^[d] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed^(E) is poured out on him.^[e]”^[f]

The King Who Exalts Himself

³⁶ “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself^(A) above every god and will say unheard-of things^(B) against the God of gods.^(C) He will be successful until the time of wrath^(D) is completed, for what has been determined must take place.^{(E) 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. ³⁹ He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.^[a]