Daniel 12:4
But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it might seem like a call for secrecy, Daniel is actually instructed to "shut up the words and seal the book" because the prophecy itself will only become truly understandable when the "time of the end" arrives. This isn't about hiding truth, but about recognizing that the full meaning of God's plan is meant to unfold and illuminate the future, not just the past.
The angel instructs Daniel to seal the prophetic words and the book until the "time of the end," signifying that the full understanding of these revelations is reserved for a future period. This command contrasts with other prophecies meant for immediate understanding and implies that many will intensely study these writings, leading to an increase in knowledge as the end times approach.
Why would God command a prophet to seal up words that reveal His future plans? What does this tell us about the nature of prophecy?
Daniel is told to "shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end." This command isn't about hiding truth forever, but about reserving its full understanding for a specific season. The prophecy was like a locked chest, its contents not meant for casual discovery or immediate comprehension.
A Future Revelation
As the end approaches, the prophecy isn't just sealed—it becomes a focal point of intense study. What does this 'running to and fro' and 'increased knowledge' look like?
The latter part of the verse shifts dramatically: "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” This describes the activity surrounding the prophecy as its fulfillment nears.
The Stirring of Inquiry
Understand the original words
qets · Hebrew Noun
A term used to signify the final consummation of God's redemptive plan in history, often marking the transition between the current age and the kingdom of God.
da'ath · Hebrew Noun
The accumulation of divine revelation or spiritual understanding, often specifically referencing the unfolding of prophetic truth throughout history.
Daniel is told to seal the book until a future 'time of the end,' suggesting that while the prophecy concerns intense historical events like Antiochus's persecution, its full meaning and the understanding of its intricate details would not be clear until much later, when many would actively seek out its wisdom.
c. 167-164 BC— this verse
Antiochus IV Epiphanes' Persecution
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, ruler of the Seleucid Empire, brutally persecuted the Jews, forbidding their religious practices and desecrating the Temple in Jerusalem. This period of intense suffering and oppression forms a crucial backdrop for Daniel's prophecies.
164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Success
The Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, revolted against Antiochus's rule. They achieved significant victories, reconsecrated the Temple, and established a period of Jewish independence.
c. 1st-2nd Century BC
Possible Dating of Daniel's Composition
Scholarly debate exists on when the Book of Daniel was written. Some scholars suggest it was composed during the Maccabean period (around the 2nd century BC) as a response to Antiochus's persecution, while others argue for an earlier date.
c. AD 1st-2nd Century
Early Interpretations and Sealing
This passage directly contrasts Daniel's command to seal the book with John's instruction not to seal his visions, highlighting that Daniel's prophecy was intended for a future time of understanding, while John's was for immediate fulfillment.
Habakkuk 2:2This verse echoes the sentiment of Daniel 12:4 by instructing the prophet to write down the vision so it can be read easily, linking the act of recording and future understanding with the increase of knowledge.
Isaiah 29:11-12These verses describe a sealed book that cannot be read by the learned or unlearned, illustrating the concept of prophecy remaining obscure and difficult to understand until its appointed time, much like Daniel's sealed book.
Jeremiah 5:1This passage uses the phrase 'run to and fro' in the context of searching for justice and truth in the land, providing a parallel to Daniel's prophecy where 'many shall run to and fro' in diligent search for understanding.
ellicottDaniel 12:4: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
(4) Shut up the words.— The revelation, which commenced in Daniel 10:20 , now draws towards a close, and the prophet receives a further revelation respecting the time of the end. The revelation continues to be called by the same name, “the words,” as in Daniel 10:1 ; and now the prophet is told that the book in which this revelation i…
jfbDaniel 12:4: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
- shut up … seal the book—John, on the contrary, is told (Re 22:10) not to seal his visions. Daniel's prophecy refers to a distant time, and is therefore obscure for the immediate future, whereas John's was to be speedily fulfilled (Re 1:1, 3; 22:6). Israel, to whom Daniel prophesied after the captivity, with premature zeal sought af…
While it might seem like a call for secrecy, Daniel is actually instructed to "shut up the words and seal the book" because the prophecy itself will only become truly understandable when the "time of the end" arrives. This isn't about hiding truth, but about recognizing that the full meaning of God's plan is meant to unfold and illuminate the future, not just the past.
The angel instructs Daniel to seal the prophetic words and the book until the "time of the end," signifying that the full understanding of these revelations is reserved for a future period. This command contrasts with other prophecies meant for immediate understanding and implies that many will intensely study these writings, leading to an increase in knowledge as the end times approach.
The angel instructs Daniel to seal the prophetic words and the book until the "time of the end," signifying that the full understanding of these revelations is reserved for a future period. This command contrasts with other prophecies meant for immediate understanding and implies that many will intensely study these writings, leading to an increase in knowledge as the end times approach.
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During the time of early Christianity, interpreters noted that Daniel's prophecies were difficult to fully grasp, often requiring the unfolding of events to reveal their meaning, reinforcing the idea of the book being 'sealed' until a later time.
Ongoing
Increase of Knowledge and Scrutiny
Throughout history, and especially in the lead-up to what many believe is the 'time of the end,' people have intensely studied and debated the prophecies within Daniel, seeking deeper understanding and knowledge as events unfold.
"But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”" — While it might seem like a call for secrecy, Daniel is actually instructed to "shut up the words and seal the book" because the prophecy itself will only become truly understandable when the "time of…
