Charles Ellicott Commentary Daniel 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." — Daniel 12:4 (ASV)

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 is written must be placed in a safe and secure place, for the need for it will be felt in “the time of the end,” that is, in the time when the fulfillment makes the meaning of the prophecy clear and unambiguous.

Many shall run to and fro.— The verb “to run” is used in Jeremiah 5:1 of searching for knowledge. In this sense it is used of the eyes of the Lord (Zechariah 4:10). In the same sense it is used in this verse. Many will anxiously search in this book for knowledge of the manner of God’s dealings with His people, and will derive comfort and understanding from it.