1 "In the first year of Darius the Mede’s rule, I took my stand to strengthen and protect him."
2 I will now tell you the truth. Persia will have three more kings, but the fourth will be richer than all of them. Once he has become strong through his great riches, he will disturb everyone, including the Greek kingdom.
3 Then a warrior-king will come forward, ruling over a vast empire and doing whatever he wants.
4 But even as he takes control, his kingdom will be broken, divided to the four winds of heaven. It won’t pass to his descendants. No one will rule like he did because his kingdom will be uprooted. It will belong to others, not to these.
5 “Then the southern king will gain power, but one of his princes will overpower him, ruling in his place. His empire will be vast.