32. Then with smooth words he will defile those who have rejected the covenant. But the people who are loyal to their God will act valiantly.
33. These who are wise among the people will teach the masses. However, they will fall by the sword and by the flame, and they will be imprisoned and plundered for some time.
34. When they stumble, they will be granted some help. But many will unite with them deceitfully.
35. Even some of the wise will stumble, resulting in their refinement, purification, and cleansing until the time of the end, for it is still for the appointed time.
36. “Then the king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every deity and he will utter presumptuous things against the God of gods. He will succeed until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decreed must occur.
37. He will not respect the gods of his fathers – not even the god loved by women. He will not respect any god; he will elevate himself above them all.
38. What he will honor is a god of fortresses – a god his fathers did not acknowledge he will honor with gold, silver, valuable stones, and treasured commodities.
39. He will attack mighty fortresses, aided by a foreign deity. To those who recognize him he will grant considerable honor. He will place them in authority over many people, and he will parcel out land for a price.
40. “At the time of the end the king of the south will attack him. Then the king of the north will storm against him with chariots, horsemen, and a large armada of ships. He will invade lands, passing through them like an overflowing river.
41. Then he will enter the beautiful land. Many will fall, but these will escape: Edom, Moab, and the Ammonite leadership.
42. He will extend his power against other lands; the land of Egypt will not escape.
43. He will have control over the hidden stores of gold and silver, as well as all the treasures of Egypt. Libyans and Ethiopians will submit to him.
44. But reports will trouble him from the east and north, and he will set out in a tremendous rage to destroy and wipe out many.
45. He will pitch his royal tents between the seas toward the beautiful holy mountain. But he will come to his end, with no one to help him.