36 The king will do whatever he wants,11:36. "Do whatever he wants": see 8:4 and 11:3 and 11:16. praising himself and considering himself greater than any god, even saying outrageous things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of anger has finished, for what has been decided will be accomplished. 37 He will have no time for the gods of his forefathers, nor for the one loved by women, nor for any other god, for he considers himself greater than any of these. 38 Instead he will honor the god of fortresses—a god unknown to his forefathers—giving him offerings of gold and silver and precious stones and expensive gifts. 39 He will deal with strong fortresses11:39. Whether these are his fortresses or those he attacks is not clear. with the help of this foreign god. He will give riches to those who acknowledge him, making them rulers over the people, and distributing the land at a price.
40 At the time of the end the king of the south will attack him. But the king of the north will retaliate with force like a storm, with chariots and horsemen and many ships. He will advance, sweeping through many lands. 41 He will invade the Beautiful Land11:41. Referring to Israel. and kill many people there. However, Moab, Edom, and most of the Ammonites will escape his power. 42 He will extend his attacks against different countries—even the land of Egypt will not be able to escape. 43 He will acquire the gold and silver and riches of Egypt, ruling over them and also the Libyans and Ethiopians.
44 But news from the east and the north will alarm him, and in a furious rage he will set out to destroy and exterminate many people. 45 He will set up his royal camp between the sea and the beautiful holy mountain. But he will die with no one to help him.