20. There will arise after him one who will send out an exactor of tribute to enhance the splendor of the kingdom, but after a few days he will be destroyed, though not in anger or battle.
21. “Then there will arise in his place a despicable person to whom the royal honor has not been rightfully conferred. He will come on the scene in a time of prosperity and will seize the kingdom through deceit.
22. Armies will be suddenly swept away in defeat before him; both they and a covenant leader will be destroyed.
23. After entering into an alliance with him, he will behave treacherously; he will ascend to power with only a small force.
24. In a time of prosperity for the most productive areas of the province he will come and accomplish what neither his fathers nor their fathers accomplished. He will distribute loot, spoils, and property to his followers, and he will devise plans against fortified cities, but not for long.
25. He will rouse his strength and enthusiasm against the king of the south with a large army. The king of the south will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to prevail because of the plans devised against him.
26. Those who share the king’s fine food will attempt to destroy him, and his army will be swept away; many will be killed in battle.
27. These two kings, their minds filled with evil intentions, will trade lies with one another at the same table. But it will not succeed, for there is still an end at the appointed time.
28. Then the king of the north will return to his own land with much property. His mind will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action, and then return to his own land.