29 “At the appointed time he will come again to the South, but this time will not be like the first.
30 Ships of Kittim will come against him, and being intimidated, he will withdraw. Then he will rage against the holy covenant and take action. On his return, he will favor those who abandon the holy covenant.
31 His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation.
32 With flattery he will corrupt those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will be strong and take action.
33 Those who are wise among the people will give understanding to many, yet they will die by sword and flame, and be captured and plundered for a time.
34 When defeated, they will be helped by some, but many others will join them insincerely.
35 Some of the wise will fall so that they may be refined, purified, and cleansed until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.