4 Daniel, I now command you to keep the message of this book secret until the end of time, even though many people will go everywhere, searching for the knowledge to be found in it.
5 Daniel wrote:I looked around and saw two other people—one on this side of the river and one on the other side.
6 The angel who had spoken to me was dressed in linen and was standing upstream from them. So one of the two beside the river asked him, “How long before these amazing things happen?”
7 The angel then raised both hands towards heaven and said, “In the name of the God who lives for ever, I solemnly promise that it will be a time, two times, and half a time. Everything will be over, when the suffering of God's holy people comes to an end.”
8 I heard what the angel said, but I didn't understand. So I asked, “Sir, how will it all end?”The angel in my vision then replied:
9 Daniel, go about your business, because the meaning of this message will remain secret until the end of time.
10 Many people will have their hearts and lives made pure and clean, but those who are evil will keep on being evil and never understand. Only the wise will understand.