Daniel 12:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

However, he instructs, "go," as it will be after an extended period. Therefore, the prophet does not mourn the return itself but rather weeps for those who have come back afterward.

He said to me, "Come, Daniel, for the messages are sealed until the end of time." These sealed messages pertain in part to the kingdom that was prophesied to be shattered and in part to Christ Himself, who brought about its destruction.

I heard the words, yet their meaning eluded me, so I inquired of my lord, What will come to pass after this? He responded, Go, Daniel, for these words are concealed and will remain so until the time of fulfillment. Many will be selected and will undergo trial as though through fire; however, the wicked will continue in their wrongdoing, and none of the wicked will grasp this, but those who are wise will understand. The prophet yearns to comprehend what he has perceived or, more precisely, what he has been told, seeking the truth about what is to come. He has heard of numerous conflicts and struggles between kings and different occurrences, yet he lacks knowledge of their specific names.

The angel explains that there is a purpose behind my use of veiled language, almost as if it serves as a kind of seal upon my words. It is crucial that sacred truths are not dispensed indiscriminately; rather, "the intelligent will understand" through the divine wisdom bestowed upon them. Those who persist in wrongdoing and malice will find themselves unable to grasp the meaning within these words. When the foretold events unfold, I will discern the prophecies that speak of them clearly. At that time, the evildoers will be distinguished from the righteous, as everyone will endure trials of fire. The Apostle Paul likewise stated, "Every work shall be revealed: the day shall be revealed: for it shall be revealed by fire: and every work, as it is, shall be tempted by fire" (1 Cor. 3:13).