Towards the close of Daniel's life he was shown a glimpse of the world situation before divine intervention.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Daniel 12:1-4
Note the words 'many shall run to and fro'. Nobody can deny that travel has increased in volume and speed at an unprecedented rate in recent years, with nearly every form of transport being enhanced for speed and comfort (with increased risks in cases of human or technical failure), and extended to accommodate more passengers. But could there be another aspect to the fulfilment of this prophecy?
A major news item is the flood of migrants or refugees (there is discussion of the more appropriate term for them - see
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34136823)
travelling long distances for a variety of reasons: sometimes it is to flee a war zone, sometimes to escape ethnic hostility, sometimes to avoid religious persecution, sometimes for economic reasons, often a combination. The size of the problem may be appreciated on learning that 1 person in 122 in the world is a refugee, according to the United Nations Organisation. See
http://www.unhcr.org/558193896.html
The BBC News website contains this comment:
A note on terminology: The BBC uses the term migrant to refer to all people on the move who have yet to complete the legal process of claiming asylum. This group includes people fleeing war-torn countries such as Syria, who are likely to be granted refugee status, as well as people who are seeking jobs and better lives, who governments are likely to rule are economic migrants.
Refugees do not always flee to the nearest safe haven: some travel vast distances, frequently at great risk, in attempting to reach countries they perceive to offer them a better life. Such perceptions may be grossly distorted and increase the risks incurred and distances travelled. Always they travel with a sense of urgency, running away from a problem, running towards a visualised solution, a haven, a new home.
Unfortunately the hazards along the way take their toll. As examples, many have perished attempting to sail across the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa to Europe, while others appear to have suffocated in a sealed lorry in Austria. See
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34131911
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34079759
Some have argued that Arab countries should be more welcoming to fellow Arabs, but such has not been very evident, for the only matter which appears to unite them is their wish to annihilate Israel. Rather, the trend is to flee to Western Europe. See
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-34132308
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-34173139
This is consistent with the prophecy concerning these peoples, spoken of Ishmael, ancestor of many of the Arabs.
And the angel of the LORD said unto her [Hagar], Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
Genesis 16:11-12
The inhabitants of the countries receiving immigrants, either to stay or pass through, have mixed feelings. Some of them were refugees themselves, and can relate to the experiences of the newcomers. At the same time, their countries are experiencing strains from the influx. See
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34168084
Whilst the present situation is distressing and perplexing, the time is coming when fleeing from problems will cease, and a mass movement towards the Middle East take place.
The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 2:1-4
The problems causing the present migrations will be solved, and the journeying to Jerusalem will be for education and worship. Present events indicate that day is not very far away.