²⁰ His successor will send out a tax collector for royal splendor, but in a short period of time he’ll be shattered, though neither in anger nor in battle.’”

The Despicable King

²¹ “‘In his place there will arise a despicable person, upon whom no royal authority has been conferred, but he’ll invade in a time of tranquility, taking over the kingdom through deception. ²² Overwhelming forces will be carried away before him, along with the Commander-in-Chief^[a] of the covenant. ²³ From the time that an alliance is made with him, he’ll act deceitfully, and he will go up and take power with only a small group of nations. ²⁴ He’ll invade the most prosperous areas of the province during a time of tranquility, accomplishing what neither his predecessors nor his ancestors ever could. He’ll distribute war spoils, booty, and wealth to them, and he’ll plot the overthrow of fortresses, though only for a time. ²⁵ He’ll encourage himself against the southern king by raising^[b] a large army. As a result, the southern king will mobilize for war with a large and powerful army, but he won’t succeed because they will devise elaborate schemes against him. ²⁶ His own security detail^[c] will undermine him, his army will be swept away, and many will fall and be killed in battle.^{[d] 27} Now as for the two kings, their intentions will be evil, and they’ll promote deception at their dinner table, but none of this will succeed, because the end won’t have come yet. ²⁸ Then he’ll return to his homeland with great wealth, will focus his attention against the holy covenant, and will take action as he returns to his land.’”

Desecration of the Sanctuary

²⁹ “‘At the scheduled time he’ll return, moving southward, but the end result won’t be as before, ³⁰ because ships will come against him from the Mediterranean islands.^[e] Disheartened, he’ll return, incited to vehemence against the holy covenant, and he’ll take action. As he returns, he’ll show deference to those who abandon the holy covenant. ³¹ Armed forces will arise from his midst, and they’ll desecrate the fortified Sanctuary, abolish the daily sacrifice, and establish the destructive desecration. ³² Through flattery he’ll corrupt those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but people who know their God will be strong and take action. ³³ Insightful people^[f] will impart understanding to many, though they’ll fall by sword, by fire, by captivity, and as war booty for a while.^{[g] 34} When they fall, they’ll be given some relief, but many will join them by pretending to be sympathetic to their cause. ³⁵ Some of the insightful will fall so they may be refined, purged, and purified until the time of the end, since it will surely come about.’”

The King Who Calls Himself God

³⁶ “‘The king will do as he pleases. He’ll exalt and magnify himself above every god, speaking amazing things against the God of Gods. He’ll succeed until the indignation is completed, because what has been determined must be carried out. ³⁷ He’ll recognize neither the gods of his ancestors nor those desired by women—he won’t recognize any god, because he’ll exalt himself above everything. ³⁸ He’ll glorify the god of fortresses,^[h] a god whom his ancestors never knew, honoring him with gold, silver, valuable jewels, and treasures. ³⁹ He’ll take action against the strongest fortresses. With the help of a foreign god, he’ll recognize those who honor him, making them rule over many, and he’ll parcel out the land for a profit.