Fathers

Daniel 12

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“At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. At that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many will run back and forth, and knowledge will be increased.” Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on the river bank on this side, and the other on the river bank on that side. One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be to the end of these wonders?” I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it will be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have finished breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things will be finished. I heard, but I didn’t understand. Then I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked will do wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand; but those who are wise will understand. “From the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there will be one thousand two hundred ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days. “But go your way until the end; for you will rest, and will stand in your inheritance at the end of the days.”

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What the Fathers say

Daniel 12:4

Eastern Fathers

Irenaeus

Hence His human nature could not be understood, prior to the consummation of those things which had been predicted, that is, the advent of Christ. And therefore it was said to Daniel the prophet: "Shut up the words, and seal the book even to the time of consummation, until many learn, and knowledge be completed. …

Against Heresies 4:26.1 ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

Verse 4. "But Thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time appointed. Many shall pass over, and knowledge shall be manifold." He who had revealed manifold truth to Daniel now signifies that the things he has said are matters of secrecy, and he orders him to roll up the scroll containing his words and set a seal upon the book, with the result that many shall read it and inquire as to its fulfilment in history, differing in their opinions because of its great obscurity. …

St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER TWELVE ↗

Bede

The same knowledge from which Scripture itself was originally composed is always increased and never ceases to be multiplied.… Moses acquired more knowledge than the patriarchs.… Likewise the Lord himself declares the apostles to have known greater things than the prophets.… "Many prophets … desired to see the things you see and did not see them.…" But he also promises them still greater grace of knowledge after his resurrection and ascension.

On the Tabernacle 1:5.19 ↗

Bonaventure

Sacred Scripture is compared to the water of the sea on account of the manifold variety of its senses. In the sea there are diverse springs: so in sacred Scripture within a single letter there is a manifold meaning. Hence in Daniel: "But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book until the appointed time: many shall pass through, and knowledge shall be manifold." Some wonder that in the same Scripture we have so many meanings. …

Collationes de Septem Donis, Collation 4 ↗