Daniel 12:9

For the words are closed

The Sealed Book

Daniel, having heard of the great troubles and afflictions that the Church was to meet with in the last days, was desirous to know how long they should continue, and to have some more particular information concerning the issue of them.

The angel said, “Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end”. As if it had been said, Daniel, what hath been revealed to you already is enough to support your faith and hope, and the faith and hope of my people in future ages, amidst all the troubles and trials that they may be exercised with, and this you must be contented with in the meantime; for a full explication of the mysteries of Divine providence, of God’s dispensations towards the Church made her members, such an explication of them as will leave no darkness, doubt, or difficulty remaining, is not to be expected during the present state of things. In these words We have:

I. A SEASONABLE ADMONITION. “Go thy way, Daniel.” Mind your own business; apply yourself to the performance of your present duty.

1. A needful caution. Not to indulge an unwarrantable curiosity of prying into those things which God hath not seen meet to reveal, into the secrets of His government and providence.

2. A. suitable exhortation. To apply himself to his present work, and set about the performance of present duty, leaving events to the Lord.

II. THE REASON FOR THE ADMONITION. “For the words are sealed up,” etc. There was something intricate and mysterious in the prophecy concerning the Church’s troubles and deliverance that would not be fully unfolded until it was accomplished. By “the time of the end” may be understood the time when the several predictions concerning the troubles and trials that the Church was to meet with should be fulfilled. In every future period new discoveries would be made of the gracious designs and mystery of Providence respecting the Church till all were finished and unfolded. The end of time may be meant. A seal denotes security, as well as secrecy or concealment. When, therefore, it is said that the words were sealed till the time of the end, it might imply that there would be an exact accomplishment of all God’s promises concerning the Church, whatever difficulties appeared to be in the way.

1. Let us observe some things in general concerning those discoveries that God is pleased to make of His mind and will to His people in this world.

(1) All true believers are privileged with some discoveries of the mind of God that others are unacquainted with. They are all taught of God; not doctrinally, or externally, by the word only, but internally, effectually, and savingly, by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit shows them many things concerning Christ; concerning His person and undertaking, righteousness, grace and salvation, which are bid from the rest of mankind.

(2) The discoveries God makes to His people He ordinarily makes to them by means of His Word. The Holy Scriptures are sufficient to “make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The work of the Spirit now is, not to make any new revelations of the will of God, but to open the understandings and enlighten the minds of men to perceive, and make a suitable improvement of, what is already revealed in the written word.

(3) God doth not reveal His mind to His people all at once, but gradually, and as He sees meet.

(4) The discoveries which God makes of His mind and will to His people in this world are still imperfect

(5) Even saints of God are too apt to indulge a sinful curiosity in prying into those things which God hath not been pleased to reveal, and which it is not necessary for them to know in their present state.

(6) However dark and intricate the dispensations of Divine providence may be, so much is made known as is sufficient to support faith and hope, and to encourage behavers in the way of duty.

2. Some of the discoveries which God makes to His people, which are sufficient to direct them in the way of duty. These discoveries may concern the people of God themselves. That He loves them. That the covenant He has made is ordered in all things and sure, immutable and everlasting. That there is a fulness of grace deposited in Christ as the Mediator of the New Covenant. That He will never leave them. That all dispensations shall turn to their advantage. These discoveries may concern the Church in general. Such as that all future troubles of the Church were foreknown and appointed by God. That they would only continue for a limited time. That all the promises would certainly be accomplished. That all the Church’s sufferings would have a glorious issue.

3. Many things are still dark to God’s people, and must remain so as long as they continue in the world. There are still things dark in the Church’s troubles, in the promises of God concerning His Church. Believers have but imperfect views of the privileges conferred upon them; and of the truths and doctrines taught in the Word of God. There is mystery in that gracious work which God has begun, and is carrying on, in souls. There is a veil upon that glory and happiness reserved for them in the other world. There are reasons why we should attend to present day, and not pry into the unrevealed.

(1) Inquiries into those things which God hath not been pleased to reveal are unprofitable and vain.

(2) What God hath clearly revealed is sufficient for their direction and encouragement in the way of duty.

(3) It is the will of God that His people, while they are in this world, should live by faith, and walk by faith.

(4) When the people of God mind their present duty, they greatly honour God. They give Him the glory due unto His name.

(5) All that is now dark and mysterious either in the purposes or promises of God, or in the dispensations of His providence, will at last be clearly manifested and unfolded. (D. Wilson.)