²⁰ The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.^{(A) 21} The shaggy goat is the king of Greece,^(B) and the large horn between its eyes is the first king.^{(C) 22} The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.

³ Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases.^{(A) 4} After he has arisen, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven.^(B) It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted^(C) and given to others.

²¹ “He will be succeeded by a contemptible^(A) person who has not been given the honor of royalty.^(B) He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue.