23 Near the end of their kingdoms,

when the rebels have reached

the full measure of their sin,B

a ruthlessC king, skilled in intrigue,D

will come to the throne.

24 His power will be great,

but it will not be his own.

He will cause outrageous destructiong

and succeed in whatever he does.

He will destroy the powerful

along with the holy people.h

25 He will cause deceit to prosper

through his cunning and by his influence,

and in his own mind he will exalt himself.

He will destroy many in a time of peace;

he will even stand against the Prince of princes.

Yet he will be broken—not by human hands.i