The answer given is too vague for Daniel. The fact that he asks how it will end, what the end of these things will be, indicates that Daniel is seeking a more concrete answer. He would so like to know the date or event that will bring an end to this difficult period for God’s people.
Especially as Daniel asks this, it is important to pay attention to God’s answer to this. The man in linen rejects Daniel’s question as the wrong question to ask. He sends Daniel away and gives no further specific answer. The man in linen says, Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.
This answer reminds us of the answer the Lord Jesus gives to a question from his disciples on the day of his ascension. Jesus’ disciples then ask, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority
(Acts 1:6–7).
Daniel has to be satisfied with what he has heard so far. It is enough. He can carry on with what he has heard, strengthened by God. It is the same with Christ’s disciples on the day of his ascension. After Jesus has said that certain things will remain hidden, he goes on to say, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth
(Acts 1:8).
The man in linen emphasizes in the second part of this verse that Daniel has received enough in what he has heard so far. To understand this properly, it is also important here, as with Daniel 12:4, to remember that it is better here not to translate as remain hidden
or keeping secret.
The point is that what Daniel heard is well preserved by him. The scroll on which it is written needs to be properly closed, properly sealed again every time. The content of this book is so important that it must not become unreadable. Certainly, it should not be lost. This book needs to be available until the time of Christ’s return, the time when all that is written in it will be fulfilled.
The Lord makes it clear to Daniel and to all the people of God that the Word of God is sufficient for them to live as children of God. It is not necessary to know all kinds of dates and actual events. The prophecies—the words that God has given are enough to persevere with joy as children of God in this world.
9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.