16. So I approached one of the attendants and I asked him about the truth concerning all this; and he told me that he would make known to me the explanation of the matter.
17. ‘These great beasts which are four in number are four kings who will arise from the earth.
18. But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom, and they will take possession of the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’
19. “Then I desired to make certain concerning the fourth beast that was different from all the others—exceedingly terrifying, with its iron teeth and its claws of bronze; it devoured and crushed and stamped the remainder with its feet—
20. and concerning the horns that were on its head, and concerning the other horn that came up and before which three horns fell, and this horn had eyes and a mouth speaking boastfully, and its appearance was larger than its companions.
21. I continued watching, and this horn made war with the holy ones and it prevailed over them,
22. until the Ancient of Days came and gave judgment to the holy ones of the Most High; and the time arrived and the holy ones took possession of the kingdom.