²¹ “·That ruler will be followed by [^LThen one will arise in his place who is] ·a very cruel and hated man [^Ldespised], who had not yet been given the honor of royalty [^CAntiochus Epiphanes, who will be the focus of much of the rest of the chapter]. He will attack ·the kingdom when the people feel safe [without warning], and he will take power by ·lying to the people [intrigue]. ²² He will sweep away in defeat ·large and powerful [^Lfloodlike] ·armies [forces] and even a prince who made an ·agreement [covenant; treaty]. ²³ Many nations will make ·agreements [alliances] with ·that cruel and hated ruler [^Lhim], but he will lie to them. He will gain much power, but only a few people will support him.