Summary

The Lord gives Daniel another important assignment. This may seem like an obscure verse. This is mainly because many translations give the impression that Daniel is to keep the words he has just heard as a secret. You cannot really imagine that because we read the very words God spoke in the chapters before this. Even when you read the words that follow, it seems strange that Daniel has to keep these words a secret. Because that is precisely where the increase of knowledge comes in.

The words that have been translated as keep secret or keep hidden (see e.g., NASB, NRSV, NLV) can also mean put away securely, keep them safe. That translation fits much better here. The Lord is impressing upon Daniel that he has to safeguard this book very well. It is the book that contains the prophecies the Lord has given him. They are very important prophecies for God’s people, for the church of Christ until his return. God’s people must be able to take note of these prophecies time and again to gain the knowledge from them. These are not prophecies for theologians only. The Lord himself makes it clear how important these prophecies are also for us as believers today. History has moved on. Throughout history, those who know these prophecies and have read them in faith have seen how the Lord brings these prophecies to fulfillment. He is doing what he said. History is proceeding according to his plan. In that way these prophecies are a great comfort to God’s people even in very difficult times. God’s children can draw courage from them.

Also in our day and age it is good and necessary to know these prophecies. Through them you see how the Lord allows history to proceed according to his plan. When difficult times come, you are assured that the Lord will do what he has promised for the future. Then God’s people know that a glorious future awaits—even if they have to go through pain and suffering.