29. “Then at the appointed time he will once again invade the south, but this time the result will be different.
30. For warships from western coastlands will scare him off, and he will withdraw and return home. But he will vent his anger against the people of the holy covenant and reward those who forsake the covenant.
31. “His army will take over the Temple fortress, pollute the sanctuary, put a stop to the daily sacrifices, and set up the sacrilegious object that causes desecration.
32. He will flatter and win over those who have violated the covenant. But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.
33. “Wise leaders will give instruction to many, but these teachers will die by fire and sword, or they will be jailed and robbed.
34. During these persecutions, little help will arrive, and many who join them will not be sincere.
35. And some of the wise will fall victim to persecution. In this way, they will be refined and cleansed and made pure until the time of the end, for the appointed time is still to come.