23 From the moment they make an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully. He will gain power at the expense of a small nation.
24 He will come into a province’s richest places untroubled and will do what his fathers and grandfathers never could. He will hand out plunder, spoil, and wealth to them. He will make plans against fortresses, but only for a time.
25 “Then with a large army he will gather his strength and courage against the southern king. The southern king, with a large and super powerful army, will prepare for war, but he won’t endure because they will make plans against him.
26 Those who eat the king’s provisions will destroy him. His army will be overrun. Many will die.
27 “These two kings, with their minds set on evil, will sit at one table, telling lies, but with no success because the end will come at the set time.
28 He will return to his country with great wealth and set his mind against a holy covenant. He will do what he wants and then return to his country.
29 At the set time he will again battle against the south, but the second time will be different from the first.