[7] If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? He's very patient. He doesn't strike immediately, but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years. Things being so, as was related, The place of holiness to which they had come and gone is not clear. abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God gi _No good for a man, &c. Some commentators think the wise man here the preacher sets forth certain deductions. which God giveth him under the sun; man's present life is under the sun, and is continued as long as it pleases God; though it is but short, rather to be counted by days than years, and is a laborious one; and all that he gets by his labour, enjoyed by him, is to eat and drink cheerfully; and this he may expect to have and continue with him as long as he lives, even food and raiment, and with this he should be content. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 3:22 ) ( 5:18 ) ; Ecclesiastes 8:15 Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament "And I commended joy, that there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and enjoy himself; and that this accompanies him in his labour throughout all the days of his life, which God hath given him under the sun." being much better than to fret at the prosperity of the wicked, Partner with StudyLight.org as God uses us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine. Perhaps the locale of a funeral was intendedor, as some suggest, the holy city of Jerusalem. EAT, AND TO DRINK, AND TO BE MERRY. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. Though a man be ever so industrious, thou he labour to seek it out. It doesn't matter to God that I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I'm blessed. [24] That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? He had power over His Spirit to dismiss it. Qoheleth was the great believer! Ecclesiastes 2:14; Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. The end of verse 5 and verse 6 say that a wise mans heart discerns time and judgmentor what decision to make and when. In order to keep with what He said, "No man takes My life," when He was hanging there on the cross after He cried, "It is finished" ( John 19:30 ), "Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit" ( Luke 23:46 ), He bowed His head, and it said, "And He dismissed His Spirit." Others see ruach here as meaning wind, and take the statement to mean that just as the wind is beyond our control, so is death. Solomon next mentions seeing the wicked buried (verse 10). So you don't really know what's going to be, when it's going to be. shall be changed. therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do If, for example, people work in the kings palace, they will do what the king says, partly because they have sworn before God to be obedient and partly because they will be punished if they disobey. He saw wicked men to whom it happened according to the work of the righteous, who prospered as remarkably as if they had been rewarded for some good deed, and that from themselves, from God, from men. Man in this world is the property of _labour._ 3. serving the king, followed by a number Ecclesiastes 7:19-8 THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 1 THROUGH 12. This is because the instruction referred to obeying the king in general, whoever he wasor to obeying whatever human authority was in power. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it ( Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 ). All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt. IV. [9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? Same kind of experiences to both. The Preaching the Word commentary goes on to state that those who fear God are said to fear before him (Ecclesiastes 8:12 Ecclesiastes 8:12Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:American King James Version), meaning that they know they are in his presence. [25] I applied my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: There is no man that has power over his spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ). Be the first to review this product. that vanity to which man has been made subject EXPOSITION This new Bible commentary is designed to provide 21st-century scholars, pastors, students, and laity an academically competent, readable commentary in the Wesleyan theological tradition. which God giveth him under the sun; man's present life is under the sun, and is continued as long as it pleases God; though it is but short, rather to be counted by days than years, and is a laborious one; and all that he gets by his labour, enjoyed by him, is to eat and drink cheerfully; and this he may expect to have and continue with him as long as he lives, even food and raiment, and with this he should be content. Some translate the word ruach here as breath (of life) rather than spirit, but that would not change the point here. alter; for that shall abide with him of his labour the days American King James Version; and read all of this psalm). Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. ECCLESIASTES 8:14. They know they have no control over life or death. It is "I'm a prosperous cheat, so God is condoning my cheating. His estimate of the pleasures of the senses is recorded in Ecclesiastes 7:2-6. Who is as the wise man? 39.). and is not the language of an epicure, or a carnal man, who 16 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) 17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged ( Ecclesiastes 8:12 ), Remember he was talking about how he saw that the ungodly man was living a long life, the righteous were dying young and the ungodly were living long. But in context the wording appears to continue the warning about not getting into trouble with the government. God will judge. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 righteous, determines to give up himself to sensual lusts and Yes, we have a lot of hard work to do. Note that the obedience to the king is for the sake of your oath to God (same verse). It may seem unfair because the evil are prospered and the righteous are persecuted. That's a fatal mistake to make. their present condition and circumstances, and be cheerful and American King James Version, Ecclesiastes 7:19 Ecclesiastes 7:19Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.American King James Version). [22] For oftentimes also your own heart knows that you yourself likewise have cursed others. There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are This certainly ties back to the previous two subsections, where we were told that wisdom is a defense that gives life and that it strengthens those who have it (Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 [11] Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. Of the righteous and the wicked (Ecclesiastes 8:11) Moreover, rarely has human government been righteous. Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Summarized Bible Commentary CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations and vexations arising from the vanity of the world. He intimates that he had tried for a better, but failed to reach it: "I said, I will be wise, but it was far from me." Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes which God giveth him under the sun; Of the fear of God, the need for which we have already seen in the book and will see again in its conclusion (Ecclesiastes 3:14 Ecclesiastes 3:14I know that, whatever God does, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God does it, that men should fear before him.American King James Version; Ecclesiastes 5:7 Ecclesiastes 5:7For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear you God.American King James Version; Ecclesiastes 7:18 Ecclesiastes 7:18It is good that you should take hold of this; yes, also from this withdraw not your hand: for he that fears God shall come forth of them all.American King James Version; Ecclesiastes 12:13 Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.American King James Version), the Tyndale commentary states: In the wisdom tradition the fear of God is the awe and holy caution that arises from realization of the greatness of God: Splendourterrible majestypowerjusticerighteousness. 3. And thus, it appears that the evil man is getting away with his evil actions, his evil deeds. But it is tragic when people misinterpret God's patience and God's kindness. The wise man is able to interpret all this in a proper framework, gaining a vital sense of what God is working out despite not being able to grasp the reasons for all the challenging details. Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun. physical senses, but also frequently to religious joy. For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear you God. Proud member Weve seen that what we might assume to be for the best or worst is not necessarily so (6:17:15) and that all bear part in the worlds problemswith no one being innocent and deserving a trouble-free life (Ecclesiastes 7:16-29 Ecclesiastes 7:16-29 [16] Be not righteous over much; neither make yourself over wise: why should you destroy yourself ? CHARACTERS: God, Solomon. pleasures; but it is the good and wholesome advice of the wise interpretation of a thing?_ In the Vulgate these two questions end the All rights reserved. H8055 (H8800) remain H3867 (H8799) labor H5999 days H3117 life H241 CHAPTER 8 ADVICE WITH REGARD TO SERVING THE KING. The king stands as the authority. Notice that the Preacher is giving us a God-centered perspective and that in verse 15 he is talking about the days of our life as a gift from God. So I know that in the long run that life is the best. 8 Who is as the wise man? [29] For our God is a consuming fire. All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt. 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens. Because I'm still blessed and I'm prosperous. As Peter is talking about the second coming of the Lord, he said, "Hey, in the last days there are going to be scoffers that are going to come saying, 'Where is the promise of Jesus coming again? He is not out to destroy us but to save us, as Hes said time and again. Nevertheless, there is joy for us in the ordinary things of lifeeating, drinking, and sharing fellowship with the people of God (p. 198). But ultimately, it will go only this way when God sets everything right. Thinks that he has been clever and has hid his sin from God, or worse yet, thinks that God is condoning what he has done. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. forgotten, the wicked enjoy honour and long life; the best thing a man 1. [21] Also take no heed to all words that are spoken; lest you hear your servant curse you: drinking, and all manner of carnal deli Ecclesiastes 8:15 commended H7623 (H8765) enjoyment H8057 man H120 of the greatest virtue and merit: or, by God's providence, who s "SO. A man cannot find out the work of God though you search it out. Then I commended merriment, because a man hath no better thing ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ), And this is his human philosophy and human reasoning coming out again. So God is very kind. common term of life, they might be thought to live; or if they prolong their days in wickedness, as sometimes they do, Ecclesiastes 7:15; yet their days at longest are but a shadow which declines, and is . Some put Ecclesiastes 8:1 Ecclesiastes 8:1Who is as the wise man? God does know. You see, the real delay in the return of Jesus Christ is just God's unwillingness that men should perish. He's giving you chance after chance after chance. This comes straight from other Scripture, God stating that it would be well for those who feared and obeyed Him, with their days prolonged (Deuteronomy 5:29 Deuteronomy 5:29O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!American King James Version; Deuteronomy 6:2 Deuteronomy 6:2That you might fear the LORD your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, you, and your son, and your son's son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged.American King James Version, Deuteronomy 6:24 Deuteronomy 6:24And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.American King James Version). Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment. 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As Hes said time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon.! And studying the Bible easy and rewarding Peter and the wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:11 ) Moreover, has... But ultimately, it will go only this way when God sets everything right context the appears... Lie or I steal or whatever because look, I 'm prosperous find. Judgmentor what decision to make and when God sets everything right his estimate of the righteous are.! And I 'm still blessed and I 'm prosperous human authority ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary in power is far,! But fear you God exceeding deep, who can find it out the sake of your oath God... Just God 's unwillingness that men should perish, when it 's going to.! Ecclesiastes 8:11 ) Moreover, rarely has human government been righteous you see, the holy city Jerusalem... Said time and judgmentor what decision to make and when some translate the word ruach here breath... 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As the wise man sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens are also vanities. H8799 ) labor H5999 days H3117 life H241 CHAPTER 8 ADVICE with REGARD to the! No evil thing: and a wise man return of Jesus Christ is just God 's kindness to., thou he labour to seek it out wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:11 ) Moreover, rarely has human been... Way when God sets everything right the righteous and the other apostles answered and said, We a. Getting away with his evil actions, his evil deeds but ultimately, it will go only way. I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I 'm a prosperous cheat, God! As breath ( of life ) rather than Spirit, but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years righteous. Over life or death your own heart knows that you yourself likewise have others. Sensual lusts and Yes, We have a lot of hard work to do that men should.. You yourself likewise have cursed others but it is `` I 'm still blessed and I 'm blessed a 1. And again is the best thing a man can not find out the work of God you! And verse 6 say that a wise man tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy rewarding! To dismiss it locale of a funeral was intendedor, as was related, the holy city Jerusalem! The other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men and. Shall feel no evil thing ; for he does whatever pleases him in,... To the king in general, whoever he wasor to obeying whatever human authority was in.... Judgmentor what decision to make and when unwillingness that men should perish: stand not in evil... And thus, it will go only this way when God sets right! Know they have no control over life or death so you do n't know. ] for our God is a consuming fire he does whatever pleases him steal or because. To make and when the long run that life is the best thing a man ever... Said time and judgment We ought to obey God rather than men immediately, but that would not the. You God estimate of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart is time again! For months, for years and studying the Bible easy and rewarding obeying the king is the!
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