38. Instead of them, he will honour a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honour 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 honour those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.
40. ‘At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood.
41. He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand.
42. He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape.
43. He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Cushites in submission.
44. But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many.
45. He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.