Daniel 12:4

But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase."

Study Bible

But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end.
This directive to Daniel emphasizes the importance and confidentiality of the prophecy he received. In ancient times, sealing a document was a way to preserve its contents and ensure its authenticity. The command to "shut up" and "seal" suggests that the full understanding of these prophecies was not meant for Daniel's time but for a future period. This mirrors the sealing of the scroll in Revelation 5, which only the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is worthy to open. The "time of the end" refers to the eschatological period, a theme consistent throughout the book of Daniel, which often points to the culmination of history and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Many will roam to and fro,
This phrase can be interpreted as a description of increased movement and searching for understanding in the last days. It suggests a time of restlessness and seeking, possibly both physically and intellectually. The imagery of roaming "to and fro" is reminiscent of Amos 8:12, where people search for the word of the Lord but do not find it. This could imply a spiritual searching or a quest for truth and understanding as the end times approach.

and knowledge will increase.
The increase in knowledge can be seen as both a positive and a negative development. On one hand, it may refer to a greater understanding of God's plans and prophecies as the end times draw near. On the other hand, it could also indicate a surge in secular knowledge and technological advancement, which can lead to both progress and moral challenges. This aligns with 2 Timothy 3:7, where people are "always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth," highlighting the potential for knowledge to be misused or misunderstood without divine wisdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A prophet and a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God and his ability to interpret dreams and visions. In this verse, he is instructed to seal the words of the prophecy.

2. The Book
Refers to the prophetic writings and visions given to Daniel, which are to be sealed until the end times.

3. The Time of the End
A period often associated with eschatological events, marking the culmination of God's plan for history.

4. Many Roaming to and Fro
This phrase suggests a time of increased movement and searching, possibly for understanding or truth.

5. Increase of Knowledge
Indicates a future time when knowledge, particularly of God's plans and purposes, will expand significantly.

Teaching Points

Sealing of Prophecy
The sealing of the book signifies that some revelations are meant for a future time. This teaches us patience and trust in God's timing.

End Times Awareness
Understanding that we live in a time where knowledge is increasing should prompt us to seek discernment and wisdom from God.

Pursuit of True Knowledge
As knowledge increases, believers are called to discern between worldly knowledge and divine truth, grounding themselves in Scripture.

Faithfulness in Uncertainty
Like Daniel, we are to remain faithful and obedient, even when full understanding is not yet revealed.

Preparation for the Future
The increase in knowledge and movement suggests a need for spiritual readiness and vigilance as we approach the end times.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the instruction to "shut up these words and seal the book" teach us about God's revelation and timing?

2. How can we discern between the increase of worldly knowledge and the knowledge that comes from God?

3. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the "time of the end" as described in Daniel 12:4?

4. How does the concept of "many will roam to and fro" relate to our current cultural and spiritual climate?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Daniel 12:4 to ensure we are not just increasing in knowledge but also growing in wisdom and understanding of God's truth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 8:12
This verse speaks of people wandering to seek the word of the Lord, similar to the roaming mentioned in Daniel 12:4.

Revelation 22:10
Contrasts with Daniel 12:4, as John is told not to seal the words of the prophecy, indicating the immediacy of the events described.

2 Timothy 3:7
Describes people always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, paralleling the increase of knowledge in Daniel 12:4.