²³ “When the end comes near for those kingdoms, a ·bold and cruel [fierce/stern-faced] king who ·tells lies will come [^Lunderstands riddles/enigmas; ^CAntiochus Epiphanes, who terrorized the Jews in the mid-second century bc]. This will happen when ·many people have turned against God [rebellions/transgressions will reach their height]. ²⁴ ·This king will be very powerful [^LHis power will be strong], but ·his power will not come from himself [^Lnot his own power]. He will cause ·terrible [fearful] destruction and will be successful in everything he does. He will destroy powerful people and even ·God’s holy people [^Lthe people of the holy ones]. ²⁵ This king will succeed by using ·lies and force [^Lthe deceit in his hand/power]. He will ·think that he is very important [^Lbe great in his heart]. He will destroy many people ·without warning [or with ease]; he will ·try to fight [^Lstand against] even the Prince of princes! But ·that cruel king [^Lhe] will be ·destroyed [^Lbroken], and not by human ·power [^Lhand].