23 After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully. He will rise to power with only a few people.
24 Entering peacefully into the richest parts of the province, he will do what neither his ancestors nor their ancestors ever did: he will distribute plunder, loot, and wealth among his followers. He will devise plans against strongholds but only for a time.
25 He will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South with a large army. The king of the South will prepare for battle with a great and mighty army, but he will not stand, for plots will be devised against him.
26 Those who eat from his provisions will destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall slain.
27 Both kings, with their hearts set on evil, will sit at the same table and lie to each other, but their plans will not succeed, for the end will still come at the appointed time.
28 The king of the North will return to his land with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action and then return to his own land.
29 At the appointed time, he will invade the South again, but this time it will not be as it was before.
30 Ships from the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his anger against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.
31 Forces from him will rise up and desecrate the sanctuary fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation.
32 Those who act wickedly against the covenant will be corrupted by flattery, but the people who know their God will stand firm and take action.