The King Who Exalts Himself
36“The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place.
37He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all.
38Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.
39He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price. Or land for a reward
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.
41He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand.
42He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape.
43He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Cushites That is, people from the upper Nile region in submission.
44But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many.
45He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at Or the sea and the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.
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