Looking to and fro as prophecy pops all over the place

Here is an idea. It formed in my head as I have been watching prophecy the last few weeks. (I've been watching prophecy for four years but it's the last few weeks I've noticed something particular...). It's something that came to mind as I was looking at the different events occurring in the world. But first, the verse and its standard, accepted interpretation:

"But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase." (Dan 12:4)

Clarke says "Shut up the words, and seal the book - When a prophet received a prediction concerning what was at a considerable distance of time, he shut his book, did not communicate his revelation for some time after. This Daniel was commanded to do, Daniel 8:26. See also Isaiah 29:10, Isaiah 29:11; Revelation 22:10. Many shall run to and fro - Many shall endeavour to search out the sense; and knowledge shall be increased by these means; though the meaning shall not be fully known till the events take place: Then the seal shall be broken, and the sense become plain."

Matthew Henry says, "Then this hidden treasure [prophecy that has been sealed] shall be opened, and many shall search into it, and dig for the knowledge of it, as for silver. They shall run to and fro, to enquire out copies of it, shall collate them, and see that they be true and authentic. They shall read it over and over, shall meditate upon it, and run it over in their minds; discurrent-they shall discourse of it, and talk it over among themselves, and compare notes about it, if by any means they may sift out the meaning of it; and thus knowledge shall be increased."

So, it seems clear that the verse means just what it says, that knowledge will increase. The word 'knowledge' is translated from the Greek: had·da·'at-- to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e. (the sea with oars) to row; by "implication, to travel -- go (about, through, to and fro), mariner, rower, run to and fro.

Now for what I have noticed. It's simply a visual picture in my head as I see the headlines roll past on a daily basis. There are many events happening in the world, such as financial disasters, natural disasters...constantly, and all over the place from north to south and east to west. For example, while we were looking at the quake swarm in Arkansas, an earthquake off Indonesia happened. While we watched Iceland's volcano Katla wake up, a volcano erupted in Indonesia. While we expect warring skirmishes to occur in the Middle East, France erupted in riots. While we were watching the locust plague hatch in Australia, a cyclone and tornado hit Chicago.

I picture us who watch prophecy as a tennis audience, with the ball going back and forth, to and fro, and our heads swinging left and right as we try and keep up with the ball. Many heads are going to and fro nowadays, looking here and there at all the things happening! Meanwhile, I picture the events of the world as precursors to the coming judgment, happening more and more frequently and more and more intensely, as birthpangs do. Though Daniel said people would be going to and fro, I believe that is a literal interpretation.

I think time is short, friends. Short. When the Blessed Hope arrives we will all be changed in the blink of an eye...forever to serve with him as co-heirs!


Comments

  1. Methinks Elizabeth has aquired some more wisdom.:O)
    Keep seeking and knocking. The doors be flying open and off the hinges. Remember what I told you about looking on page 5 when something else grabs the headlines. These are strange days indeed!

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  2. I agree with this post completely. Not only is knowledge increased (hello, internet!) but there is an OVERLOAD of PROPHECY being fulfilled right in front of our eyes!

    It is hard to keep track of it all.

    How can anyone be so ignorant as to not believe the Bible and the Truth inside of it?

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  3. Amen and Amen! So many people are brushing these end time events off, as just plain natural occurrences, but God's elite knows better. I don't think we have much time left on old planet earth. The cataclysmic events that are happening all over the globe attest that Jesus is coming VERY VERY SOON!

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