Daniel 12:4

Shut up the words. Compare the similar admonition in regard to Daniel’s earlier vision (Daniel 8:26). This instruction did not apply to the whole of the book of Daniel, for a portion of the message has been understood and thus been a blessing to believers for centuries. It applied, rather, to that part of Daniel’s prophecy that dealt with the last days (AA 585; DA 234). Not until that time was reached could a message, based on the fulfillment of these prophecies, be proclaimed (see GC 356). Compare the “little book open” in the hand of the angel of Revelation 10:1, 2 (see TM 115).

Run to and fro. Heb. shut, a word occurring 13 times in the OT (Numbers 11:8; 2 Samuel 24:2, 8; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Job 1:7; 2:2; Jeremiah 5:1; 49:3; Ezekiel 27:8, 26; Daniel 12:4; Amos 8:12; Zechariah 4:10). In most of these occurrences shut describes a physical roving about.

Many interpreters believe that shut is here used in a metaphorical sense and describes an earnest search throughout the pages of the Bible, with the result that there is an increase of knowledge concerning the prophecies of the book of Daniel (see under “knowledge shall be increased”; cf. DA 234; GC 356). Others believe that Daniel here predicts a multiplication of travel and of means of travel such as have marked the last century.

The LXX exhibits a vastly different reading: “And thou, Daniel, cover up the commands and seal the book until the time of the end, until many will rave violently [literally, “go mad”] and the earth shall be filled with unrighteousness.” Theodotion’s version is nearer the Masoretic: “And thou, Daniel, close the words and seal the book to the time of the end; until many are taught, and knowledge is increased.”

Knowledge shall be increased. This clause may be considered the logical sequel to the immediately preceding clause: When the sealed book is opened at the time of the end, knowledge concerning the truths contained in these prophecies will be increased (see PK 547; cf. Revelation 10:1, 2). At the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century a new interest in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation was awakened in widely separated places of earth. The study of these prophecies led to a widespread belief that the second advent of Christ was near. Numerous expositors in England, Joseph Wolff in the Middle East, Manuel Lacunza in South America, and William Miller in the United States, together with a host of other students of the prophecies, declared, on the basis of their study of the prophecies of Daniel, that the second advent was at hand. Today, this conviction has become the driving force of a worldwide movement.

This prophecy has also been interpreted as pointing to the stupendous advances of science and general knowledge in the last century and a half, advances that have made possible a widespread proclamation of the message of these prophecies.