The Meaning of Running to and Fro
"The word translate, run to and fro, is metaphorically used to denote investigation, close, diligent, accurate observation -- just as the eyes of the Lord are said to run to and fro. The reference is not to missionary exertions in particular, but to the study of the Scriptures, especially, the sealed book of prophecy." Duffield on Prophecies, p. 373. Dr. Clarke's note reads as follows: "Many shall run to and fro. Many shall endeavor to search out the sense; and knowledge shall be increased by these means. This seems to be the meaning of this verse, though another has been put upon it, viz., 'Many shall run to and fro preaching the gospel of Christ, and therefore religious knowledge and true wisdom shall be increased.' This is true in itself; but it is not the meaning of the prophet's words." The most eminent modern Hebrew scholars all agree with Clarke in giving this sense. Scott's opinion seems to coincide with Clarke's, though he gives both meanings in his notes; but manifestly gives the preference to the one which expresses the idea of searching out the meaning of the prophecy. Matthew Henry comments freely on the passage, and among other things says: "They shall read it over and over, shall meditate upon it; they shall discourse of it, talk it over, sift out the meaning of it, and thus knowledge shall be increased." The French translation, published by the American Bible Society renders the passage following, "the time of the end" thus: "When many shall run all over it, (or through it) and to them knowledge shall be increased." The old English Bible, printed by Barker in 1580, has this marginal note: "Many shall run to and fro to search the knowledge of these mysteries." "Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased; that is, towards the end of the time appointed, many shall be stirred up to inquire into these things delivered in this book, and will spare no pains or cost to get a knowledge of them; will read and study the Scriptures, and meditate on them; compare one passage with another, spiritual things with spiritual, in order to obtain the mind of Christ; will carefully peruse the writings of such, who have lived before them, who have attempted any thing of this kind; and will go far and near to converse with persons that have any understanding of such things; and by such means, with the blessing of God upon them, the knowledge of this book of prophecy will be increased, and things will appear plainer and clearer, the nearer the accomplishment of them is; and especially when prophecy and facts can be compared; and not only this kind of knowledge, but knowledge of all spiritual things, of all evangelical truths, and doctrines, will be abundantly enlarged at this time."