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
This phrase directly addresses the prophet Daniel, emphasizing his unique role as a recipient of divine revelation. The Hebrew name "Daniel" means "God is my judge," reflecting his life of faithfulness and integrity. Daniel's personal relationship with God is a model for believers, demonstrating that God entrusts His mysteries to those who are faithful.

shut up the words
The Hebrew verb used here, "satham," means to stop up or close. This instruction to "shut up the words" suggests that the prophecy is to be preserved and protected. It implies that the full understanding of these words is not for Daniel's time but for a future generation. This act of sealing indicates the sacredness and the divine origin of the message.

and seal the book
Sealing a document in ancient times was a way to authenticate and preserve its contents. The Hebrew word "chatham" means to seal or close up. This action signifies that the prophecy is complete and authoritative. It also suggests that the understanding of these prophecies will be revealed at the appointed time, emphasizing God's sovereignty over history.

until the time of the end
This phrase points to a future period known as "the time of the end," a recurring theme in apocalyptic literature. It indicates a divinely appointed climax of history. The phrase suggests that the full meaning of Daniel's visions will become clear as God's redemptive plan unfolds. It encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's ultimate victory.

Many will roam to and fro
The Hebrew phrase "shut" (to go to and fro) conveys the idea of movement and searching. This could symbolize a quest for understanding or truth, reflecting humanity's restless pursuit of knowledge. In a spiritual sense, it may also indicate a time of increased spiritual seeking and searching for God's truth as the end approaches.

and knowledge will increase
The increase of knowledge can be understood both in a literal and spiritual sense. Historically, this could refer to advancements in technology and information. Spiritually, it suggests a deeper understanding of God's purposes and prophecies as the end times draw near. This increase in knowledge is a sign of God's unfolding revelation and a call for believers to grow in wisdom and discernment.

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.