12:4 run to and fro. The word “run” actually means “race.” That is, at the time of the end, the world will see “many”—evidently all over the world—racing back and forth, and this phenomenon would help students of God’s promises begin to “unseal the book,” and see that His return is near. It is significant that until the past two centuries, riding on a swift horse was the fastest way to travel. Today we have moved from horses to railroads to autos to airplanes to space ships.

12:4 knowledge shall be increased. Knowledge (or “science”) has been tremendously increased—not only in the understanding of prophecy, but in practically every area of study and practice. Our modern scientific understanding and control of the world’s systems, processes and living creatures is in line with God’s primeval dominion mandate (Genesis 1:26-28), and is further indication of the near-approach of “the end.”