18. "Then he will turn his attention to the lands along the Mediterranean coast. He will take over many of them. But a commander will put an end to his proud actions. He will turn his pride back on him.
19. "After that, the king of Syria will return to the forts in his own country. But he will trip and fall. And he will never be seen again.
20. "The next king after him will send someone out to collect taxes. The taxes will help maintain the glory of his kingdom. But in a few years the king will be destroyed. It will not happen because someone becomes angry with him or kills him in battle.
21. "Another king will take his place. Many people will hate him. He will not be honored as a king should be. He will lead an army into the kingdom when its people feel secure. He will make clever plans to capture it.
22. Then he will sweep away a huge army. The army and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed.
23. "The king of Syria will make an agreement with that prince. But then he will not keep his word. He will rise to power with the help of only a few people.
24. When the people in the richest areas feel secure, he will attack them. He will do what the kings before him could not do. And he will reward his followers with the goods and wealth he takes. He will make clever plans to take over the forts. But that will last for only a short time.