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Some
study notes which may be of use to other Bible students.
The
Hebrew word is 'Koheleth" = Assembler (or Convener, from 'kahal' = to call,
assemble, or gather together). This is what Solomon did - 1 kings 8:1,2,5. The
book is therefore named after Solomon because of what he did.
Theology
is Man's reasoning about the Word of God, and Science is Man's reasoning about
the Works of God. Genesis is rejected by the Rationalists because it doesn't
agree with their earthly understanding. Ecclesiastes is rejected by many
Theologians because it doesn't agree with their theological
understanding.
Solomon's
wisdom was given him by God - 1 Kings 3:5 - 12, 4:29 - 34. It came "from
above" - James 3:17, as did Luke's wisdom - Luke 1:3. Solomon didn't lose
his wisdom - Ecc. 2:9.
1:1-1:11
THE ENDLESS ROUND OF NATURE
1:1
'The words" indicates that the book is meant for reproof, as is indicated
by the same words in Deut. 1:1, Amos 1:1, Jer. 1:1 and 2 Sam. 23:1. the Preacher
= the koheleth, or the Assembler. Another name for Solomon, as explained in
opening notes.
1:2
This expression is used to give the greatest emphasis possible. Vanity = utter
vanity. Vanity - Hebrew = habal = something which soon vanishes.
1:3
under the sun is an expression found only in this book. It is equivalent to
"^upon the earth", and occurs 29 times. It refers to all that is
connected with earthly things as such, and with Man apart form God.
1:4
abides = stands still, or continues still, never to be destroyed, while
generations come and go on it. for ever = olam = for ages.
1:5
Continuing the theme of repetition, the sun returns to where it rises.
1:6
the wind = ruach. The same Hebrew word is also translated "spirit".
See Mat. 3:16,5:3.
1:7
This is the point of the illustration of verse 6.
1:8
labour = weariness. Just as the sea of v.7 is never filled by the rivers, the
natural man is never filled or satisfied by natural things. Is. 55:1 - 3 is
God's call to the unsatisfied.
1:9
This underlines the principle of Man without God. On the other hand, Man with
God is a time of discovery, and of newness - Ps. 96:1, 98:1, Is. 42:9, 10,
Ez. 11:19, 36:26, Mat. 9:16,17, Rev. 2:17, 3:12, 21:2, 5:9, 14:3, 21:1 - a new
heavens and a new earth.
1:10
This is part of v.9. What the natural man calls "new' is not new at all.
His understanding is on an earthly plane.
1:11
Sm and Gdsp "There is no memory of earlier people, and likewise of later
people who shall be; there will be no memory of those who will be later
still". The natural man does not consider the shortness of his mortal life.
2 Pet. 3:3 -7. To describe the restoration of Israel, God says he will create
"new heavens and a new earth" Is. 65:17.
1:12-1:18
THE FUTILITY OF LEARNING
1:12
Sm and Gdsp "I, Koheleth, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. Solomon was
the only king who has completely fulfilled this statement. Not long after he
took the throne, he learned that the kingdom was to be rent - IKings 11,12, and
the people were to be scattered, so he tried to kill Jeroboam - v.40)
1:13
under heaven = under the heavens.
God
= Elohim. The title "Jehovah" is not used in Ecc. because this book
refers to Man in relation to his Creator only, not in covenant
relationship. Gen. 1:26 "And Elohim said, let us make Man in our image .
.." Moffat says "a sorry task this toil set to the sons of men by
God".
exercised
= humbled.
Here
Solomon declares that he will SCIENTIFICALLY study fallen Man. Moffat says
"I set myself to study and survey thoughtfully . . ." Sm and Gdsp says
"I set my mind to search and to investigate through wisdom ..."
1:14
vexation of spirit = feeding on wind.
Moffat
says "I have seen all that goes on in this world; it is a vain, futile
business" Fallen Man works to satisfy his natural needs, and ignores the
everlasting things. 1 Tim. 4:8 - "Bodily exercise profits little . .
." 'The Spirit quickens (gives life), the flesh profits nothing ..." -
John 6:63. Mat. 16:26 "What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul?" and also Mark 8:36.
Moffat
says "You cannot straighten what is twisted, nor can you count up all the
defects in life. Mat. 7:16 man cannot gather grapes from a thorn. The fruit of
fallen Man is always "crooked", unable to be straightened, always
wanting for something, always defective, always lacking something.
1:16
Solomon's wisdom is described more fully in 1 Kings 3:12, 28, 4:29 - 34, 10:1
-7.
1:17
This shows the amazing extent and depth of Solomon's investigations.
Madness
= the opposite to wisdom and understanding, as displayed in people who totally
lack self-control. Solomon tried raving, or talking and acting wildly, as in a
delirium.
folly
= infatuation. Solomon tried saturating himself with the main sensual activities
of fallen Man, but at the same time he used his incredible wisdom to discern and
examine his experiments.
God
had to have a thoroughly tried report on all these things, by the best human
with the highest qualifications, as a witness to all people, that each thing
which Solomon tried was of no lasting value. When Jesus came, a "greater
that Solomon" spoke with absolute authority and certainty on the same
things - Mat. 12:42, Luke 11:31. John 10:10 Jesus said "I give life
abundantly", and "For a man's life does not consist of the things he
possesses" Luke 12:15.
1:18
In much understanding, or intellectual knowledge is much grief = mortification.
Sorrow
= makob = pain.
Sm
and Gdsp says "For with more wisdom is more worry . . ." God's wisdom,
spiritually understood (lCor.2:14) is a wonderfully rich and satisfying source
of life, light and health. It provides regeneration - IPet. 1:23, Conversion -
Ps.l9:7, Sanctification - John 17:17, Growth - lPet.2:2, Faith - John 20:31, and
Cleansing - Eph. 5:26.
2:1-26
THE FUTILITY OF ALL HUMAN EFFORT.
2:1
The first examination concerning pleasure, now, the
2:2
first conclusion follows, concerning mirth and laughter. On their own, these two
things are empty and part of fallen Man's array of substitutes for God's plenty.
Solomon's servants were happy - IKings 10:8 because they were obedient to the
king. Man seeks happiness in mirth and laughter, instead of obedience to God.
"My soul shall be joyful in the Lord" - Ps. 35:9. Col.2:5, Heb. 3:18,
Mat. 25:21 - "Enter into the joy of the Lord..."
mad
= the same sense as in 1:17.
2:3
Solomon tried pampering his flesh with wine, while at the same time he used his
wisdom to see if it was of any worth.
all
the days = all the numbered days
wine
= yayin, from the Hebrew root yayan, meaning to ferment, as in Gen. 9:21, ISam.
25:36,37, Jer. 23:9.
Ecc.
2:1 - 3 is the first stage in Solomon's investigation. Next comes 4-8.
2:4
Solomon increased, or multiplied his possessions. Some description of these arc
in IKings 7:1 - 12.
2:5
orchards = pardesim == paradises, parks, or pleasure grounds. (Not
"gardens'" which were cultivated areas, as in Deut. 11:10, IKings
21:2) Paradises were formed by Eastern monarchs. They were a sort of Botanical
Gardens, and held collected specimens of plants and animals. V.5 describes
fallen Man's tendency to heap about him all sorts of things, especially rich
fallen Men, who often try to create their own self-styled heaven.
2:6
wood = forest
2:7
Solomon bought servants. These servants are not to be compared with the slaves
of the Greek, Roman or African slaves. Jehovah calls his servants 'ebed' =
labourer. There is no Hebrew word for the worst kind of slave. Solomon's
servants were "happy" - IKings 10:8
2:8
gathered = amassed. James 5:1-3 warns against this sort of behaviour. Treasures
on earth are of no lasting worth to fallen Man. True treasures must be kept in
heaven -Mark 10:21, Mat. 6:21, Luke 12:34, Hag. 1:5 - 10.
peculiar
= segullah = enclosure. Treasure fenced in, or enclosed, because of its value.
Ex. 19:5, Deut. 14:2. 26:18, Ps. 135:4.
2:9
9 and 10 are a summary in general of Solomon's outward appearance. To fallen Man
he looked "great". The divine wisdom, however, had not been taken away
- 1 Kings 3:3-15.
2:10
labour = toil. Solomon toiled at his experiment in pleasure, and found that the
portion, or share he got out of it was nothing but empty joy. His heart rejoiced
as he toiled at mirth. He found that to work at mirth was to receive
mirth. It was an end in itself.
2:11
Another conclusion, summarizing his findings: 1. vanity (nothingness), 2.
vexation of spirit = feeding on wind, 3. no profit. Moffat says "Nothing in
this world is worthwhile". The natural Man is wasting his time and energy,
as Solomon discovered.
2:12
Moffat says "Solomon went to the extreme in his studies so that any who
follow the same things he studied can be only a poor copier. Nobody can exceed
Solomon, which means that all Mankind may now understand, that in the things
Solomon studied there is nothing but. . ." see v. 11.
Rom.
6:16 points out that if we obey our natural appetite, we are its servant. It is
the law of sowing aud reaping in Gal. 6. Solomon shows that to obey the will of
the flesh is ...v.ll.
2:13
Sm and Gdsp says ''Then I saw that wisdom is more profitable than folly, even as
light is more preferable to darkness. Solomon could say this, having tried both
light -Divine wisdom, and darkness - the pursuits of the natural Man. See John
3:19 - 21. Natural Man prefers darkness, never having experienced light. (Deut.
30:19)
2:14
This verse relates to v.l3 by carrying the two extremes of the wise man and the
fool. Very opposite in nature. God gave his Son as a ransom for-all, so that the
two directions for man could be plainly seen - John 3:36, John 5:12. Sight and
blindness, walking and seeing as opposed to walking and not seeing. To both
types of person there is one event = happening happens to them. Heb. mikreh.
2:15
Looking at the death of wise and foolish people from the natural Man's point of
view, Solomon realizes how futile it is to try to be wise. 1 Tim.6:6 - 10 -
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out. . ." From the natural point of view, life is futile. We are
born, we do things, learn, train, etc, and we die.
2:16
remembrance = memorial.
Sm
and Gdsp says "For there is no permanent record for either wise man or
fool, inasmuch as in the course of days to come, everything is
forgotten"". Millions of wise men and fools (probably more of one than
the other) have been swallowed up by time -seemingly never to be seen again, or
ever heard of. For the Christian however, there is a resurrection to life, in
which all who have trusted in the Lord Jesus will be gathered together. Mat.
8:11, John 11:23 - 26.
2:17
The word "life" is put here as part of an expression called Metonymy
of the Subject. It is put in the place of pleasure, which Solomon is
evaluating. In other words "Therefore I hated the futility of
pleasure".
2:18
"labour" is put for what he got for it, by the Figure metonymy of
Cause. Solomon hated the intransigent nature of pleasure, and the amassing of
goods, because he couldn't take anything with him. Everything on earth is part
of an endless cycle of wearing out, passing on, using up, gathering, dispersing,
perishing, etc.
2:19
fool = sakal = stupid (In v. 14, 15 and 16 it is kasil = fat, or inert. Be they
individuals in positions in society, farm-owners, church parishes, councils,
governments or kings, they are all being replaced by the next generations.
2:20
took = toiled
Moffat
says "For a man who has toiled skillfully and thoughtfully and ably has to
leave all his gains to one who has never worked for them". This is part of
the curse of death. If Man was immortal, this problem wouldn't occur. (It
reminds me of the house I once bought, where the garden, once lovingly tended,
fell into rack and ruin after I moved away.) Rev. 21:1-4,22:3.
2:21
For there is a man = for here is a man . . . Solomon lost the kingdom to
his son Rehoboam, who foolishly told all the tribes he would raise the taxes,
which caused a revolt. He became king of Judah - 1 Kings 11:43.
2:22
For what has man of all his labour = feeding, or delight. What does the
natural Man gain from his pursuit of pleasure?
2:23
travail = toil that brings about fatigue. The problems and burdens of life can
cause insomnia, nervous complaints, ill health, etc. Jesus Christ can take all
our burdens - Mat. 11:30, and Christians are supposed to bear one another's -
Gal.6:2, while the burden of our obedience to God is our own to cany - Gal. 6:5.
2:24
At first reading this verse seems to contradict all that came before it, but a
careful look at the words gives: 'There is nothing better for a man (adam -
denoting the origin of Man, i.e. the dust). There is no goodness to be had from
eating and drinking for self-gratification. "This also I saw, that it (true
enjoyment) was from the hand of God"
2:25
Solomon says he knows this is true because he has tried the self-indulgence he
speaks about to its fullest extreme. Who can eat, and who can drink, and enjoy
total satisfaction, apart from God?
2:26
Here is described yet again the way of sinners and the way of God-fearers. One
inherits the efforts of another, in much the same way, except in reverse, as in
v.21, where one amasses things and labours, only to leave everything to a fool.
"No
new thing" from v.9 From 'The Story of Civilization" p 178: "Khekheperrc-Sonbu,
a savant of the reign of Senusret II, about 2150 BC wrote: "Would that I
had words that are unknown, utterances and sayings in new language, that hath
not yet passed away, and without that which hath not been said repeatedly - not
an utterance that hath grown stale, what the ancestors have already said."
3:1-8
AN ORDERLY WORLD.
3:1
a season = an appointed time (Heb. zeman)
a
time = a season. In the Hebrew these 28 seasons are set out in 14 lines, 2 in a
line with a space between each pair.
under
heaven = upon the earth.
3:2
to be born = to bear. A woman reaches a certain age and development wherein she
can bear a child. Sarah was an example of God imposing a time - Gen.
17:17, 21, 18:14, 21:2. These times and seasons for mankind are set and
controlled by God, and Man must pay the consequences if he tries to side-step
them.
to
die - Ps. 31:5, 15, Heb. 9:27. Ps.139 shows how God made us in secret long
before we were born (v. 13 - 16) and there is a time for the resurrection -
IThess. 4:16 to 5:1 -4, and 2Thess2:3.
to
plant - it is beyond Man's power to alter the seasons. Man (by and large) is
forced to live by the yearly cycle. (Applied to a kingdom - Ps.44:2, 80:8, 15,
Jer.l8:9, Amos 9:15, Mat. 15:13) The law of Gen. 8:22 continues to this day.
to
pluck up - if fruit isn't harvested it tends to be ruined - Rev.6:13, Is.34:4,
and Jer. 18:7,9.
3:3
to kill = judicially. Out of its proper season, to kill is murder. lKings2:23 -
25 Adonijah was put to death by Solomon, 28 - 34 Joab was put to death by
Benaiah at the order of Solomon. Ps.78:31.34, Jer.l2:3.
to
heal - God healed Zedekiah when he repented - Is.38:5,21, 57:18, Ps. 107:20,
147:3.
break
down - Jer.39:2,8, Mal.l:4, Ez.33:21. The first and third references are about
God's promised judgment on Jerusalem, while the second reference is about Edom,
which God also promised to judge. Other times of "breaking down" arc:
Sodom and Gomorrah - Gen. 19:23 - 26, the judgment of the whole earth - Gen.6:3
to
build up - Neh.2:17,18,20, Ps. 102:13,14,16, Is.45:13 in reference to Cyrus,
Daii.9:25,Amos9:ll.
3:4
to weep - Gen.23:2, 43:30, Joel 2:17, the time for those in Jerusalem to weep.
to laugh - Sarah laughed in lack of faith - Gen.21:6, Abraham laughed in faith
-Gen. 17:17, God laughs at the raging of the heathen - Ps.2:4, The Lord laughs
at the wicked because He knows their time of judgment is coming - Ps.37:13.
Christians can look forward to a time of laughing - Luke 6:21.
to
mourn - Gen.23:2, lSam.l6:l, Prov. 29:2, Is.38:14, 61:2, JoeI4:9, Zech.l2:10,12,
Mat.5:4,9:15.
to
dance - 2Sam.6:14,Ps.l49:3, 150:4, Jer.31:13, Judges 20:6, lKingsl5:22, Lam.4:l
3:5
to cast away stones, as out of a vineyard Is.5:2, Lev. 14:40,45, judges 20:16,
IKings 15:22, Lam.4:l
to
gather stones - Deut.27:4, Josh.4:3,8,20, ISam. 17:40, IKings 18:31,32,
Ps.l02:14, Is. 54:11
to
embrace - Gen.29:13, 33:4,48:10,2Kings 4:16
to
refrain from embracing - Prov.5:20, Joel 2:16, ICor. 7:5,6 3:6 to get = to buy,
or to acquire - Geu.42:2,7,10, Ruth 4:5, 2Sam.24:21, Is.55:l, Jer.32:7, Eph.4:28
to
lose - Gen.31;39, Mat. 10:39, 16:25, Is.47:9
to
keep - ISam. 16:11, Prov.7:1, Luke 8:15, 2Timl: 14, John 2:10, 12:7
to
cast away - Judges 15:17, 2Kings 7:15, Is.31:7, Hos.9:17, Ecc.l 1:1
3:7
to rend- ISam. 15:27,2 8, IKings 11:11,31, 13:3,5, 14:8, Joel 2:13, John 19:24
to
sew = to sew together, to adjust. Spoken of the kingdom in the parable of the
two sticks, Ex.37:15.
to
keep silence - Lev. 10:3, Ps.32:3, Amos 5:13,2Tim.2:11,12, lPet.2:15
to
speak- Ex.7:2, Num.22:8, 2Sam.7:17, Ps.2:5, 145:6,11, Ez.2:7, Luke 1:19,20, John
16:13
3:8
to love - Jer.2:2, Ez.l6:8, Dan.l:9, Gal.5:13, 2Thess.l:3
to
hate - 2Sam.l3:15, Ps. 105:25, Prov.25:17, Luke 14:26, Prov. 11:15, 15:27,
26:16, John 12:25, Jude 23.
of
war - Ex.l7:16, Num. 1:3,20,22, 26:2, Deut.3:18, Judges 3:2, 2Sam.3:l, Jer.6:4,
Luke 14:31, Rev. 12:7, 19:11,19
of
peace - Josh. 11:23, 14:15, Lev.26:6, Judges 4:17, lSam.7:14, Ps.72:3, 85:8,
Prov. 16:7, Is.9:7, Zech.9:10, Rom.5:1, Eph.4:3
All
these verses show that life is rich and varied, and fall of reactions and
interactions, all integrated with each other. Solomon has listed the main
activities of fallen Man, showing the times and seasons for constantly recurring
things. Every item listed is continually being repeated, over and over again, in
many different ways. The next group of verses, 9-15, enlarge on this:
3:9
- 15 MAN'S LIMITATIONS
3:9
When Solomon looks at the activities of fallen Man, he asks what profit, or
benefit, or use is it to all of them, as they go from day to day, caught up in
the toil of their appointed seasons and times. 3:9 I have seen the travail =
toil which causes fatigue, which God (= Elohim), has given to the sons of men =
"adam" (associated with Man's origin from the dust of the earth), to
be exercised in = to labour at.
3:11
Sm and Gdsp says "He has made everything beautiful in its season; but he
has also implanted ignorance in their mind, so that Mankind cannot discover the
work which God has done from beginning to end."
his
time = its proper season
the
world = Heb. olam = the ages, or the world in relation to time. When Adam and
Eve sinned. God took from them their understanding of time, and made the fallen
Race aware of the present far more than the past or future. That is why fallen
Man is unable to "find out the work that God makes from the beginning to
the end" The list of 3:1 - 8 gives us the things of Man's times or seasons
which he does see, but what God does is from time past to time
everlasting.
3:12
fallen Man is limited to this level of satisfaction and fulfillment in his life.
Sm and Gdsp says "I know that there is nothing good for them but to be glad
and to enjoy themselves while they live". Within the restrictions of
mortality, and caught in the endless cycle of seasons and times, Solomon sees
that Man can at least "rejoice and do good in, or during his life".
3:13
God has blessed fallen Man, as Gen. 8:21 shows - "I will not again curse
the ground for Man's sake; for (ALTHOUGH) the imagination of Man's heart is evil
from his youth . . ." God knows what fallen Man is like -
"nevertheless. He left not Himself without witness, in that He did GOOD,
and gave us rain from heaven ..." - Acts 14:15 -17. Couple v.l2 (rejoicing
and doing good), with v.l3 (eating and drinking and enjoying the fruit of
labour) and you have an ideal way of living, for fallen Man. This is without
God. It is a material plane of life, but it is the best.
3:14
for ever = Heb. 'olam' = the ages. The irresistible will of God is described. He
orders Man's life, he controls all things by his power - Col. 1:16,17, 2:9. He
dictates all the seasons and times of fallen Man. Rom. 1:19 - 32 shows how God
has revealed himself to Mankind at all times since the Fall, leaving the fallen
Race "^without excuse". 3:15 refers again to the cycle of ch. 1:1 - 11
God
requires = God is ever bringing back
3:16
- 22 MAN AND BEAST ON THE SAME LEVEL
3:16
the place of judgment = an expression like ; "the courts of justice"
WICKEDNESS = lawlessness and iniquity, from Heb. 'rasha'. As is common for
fallen Man, where there should be truth and justice, there is sin.
3:17
the righteous = a righteous one.
the
wicked = a lawless one. God will judge all men one day - Jer.l7:10, 32:19, Mat.
16:27,2Cor.5:10,2Tim.4:1, lPet.4:5
3:18
The fact that God appoints a time for everything which fallen Man does.
Fallen Man is largely if not totally unaware of the fact that he is living
according to God's control in every detail of his life. This also shows that
fallen Man is the same as the beasts or animals. God controls all the times and
seasons of animal life - as for example, see the 80 questions in Job 38-41.
3:19
The one great common factor ruling all of Creation is death. Rom.8:18 - 23,
quoted in lCor.15. That which befalls, is the "event" or
"happening", as in 2:14. The "one thing" is death. They all
have one breath (ruach = spirit). Fallen Man is as much a part of the material
world as everything else created. The very bold statement here sums it all up -
Man has no pre-eminence above a beast (living creature). Ps.49:12, Ps. 146:4
3:20
one place = Sheol, or the grave.
all
are of the dust - Gen. 1:24, 2:7,19, 3:19. In Gen. 1:24 God says "let the
earth bring forth the living creature = nephesh = soul. Ps. 103:14 "He
remembers that we are dust", and ICor. 15:47
turn
to dust again -,Gen.3:19, Ps.22:15, 104:29, 146:4, Job 10:9, 34:15.
3:21
spirit = ruach = breath. Sm and Gdsp says "Who can know whether the spirit
of Man goes upward or the spirit of a beast goes downward . . .?" Who can
tell the answer to this question? Ecc. 12:7 gives the answer - see the notes
there. God gives breath, or spirit, to all souls, making them living souls, and
when he withdraws his spirit, the souls die.
3:22
Repeating the thought of 2:24. The share (or portion) for fallen Man, is to
rejoice in his own works - why? because he is mortal, and cannot do anything
beyond what God has set for him. 11:9 carries the same thought. Solomon gives a
positive command to the young man, then adds the qualifying "but know . .
." Ecc. is about the fate of fallen Man and fallen Creation. Solomon sees
many positive things, but always there is the extreme limitation of mortality
imposed on everything. (A story I once wrote, had a number of animals, being
born, living, and dying, in a vast plain. They thought they were free,
and wild, and able to roam as far as they liked, but the plain was in fact
fenced in. The twist in the story was the fact that none of the animals had ever
walked as far as the fence).
4:
1 - 16 THIS TRANSITORY LIFE.
4:1
Under the sun = upon the earth. Still dealing with fallen Man's activities.
they
had no comforter = the oppressed
Oppression
is an internationally practiced characteristic of the sinful nature. Rehoboam
for example - IKings 12:12 - 21, lPet.2:13 - 25, Rom. 13:1 - 7, Mat.22:21.
"Emulations" come from the old nature - Gal. 5:20.
4:2
praised = commended, or pronounced happy. Moffat says "So I judged the dead
already in their graves to be more happy than the living .. ."
4:3
Moffat says "Yes, and happier than them both (is the ) man unborn, who has
never known the misery that goes on in the world." Job 5:7, 14:1. Ecc.2:23.
4:4
travail = toil, as connected with trouble and sorrow.
every
right work = all the dexterity in work, or skill. Sm and Gdsp says "Then I
saw that all the labour, and all the hard work is due to Man's jealousy of one
another." This is what we sometimes call "keeping up with the
Jones's", it is the materialistic drive, the way neighbours watch each
other and compete with possessions (cars, boats, ornaments, house styles,
fashions, etc.) Rom. 12:2, Mat.6:24 - 34
this
is also vanity and vexation of spirit = feeding on wind
4:5
fool = kesil = fat, inert. Moffat says "He is a fool who folds his hands
and lets life go to ruin". Solomon sees that the other extreme, that
of avoiding all work, is just as bad
as the first state, that of toiling for more than one needs.
4:6
This is similar to 3:12. An ideal for fallen Man. "One hand full of
contentment is better than 2 hands fall of toil and futile effort"".
4:7
This introduces another aspect of fallen Man's activities. 4:8 Sm and Gdsp says
"Then I saw another case of vanity under the sun, it is an individual
without a companion; he has neither son nor brother; and yet there is no end to
all his toil, nor is his eye ever satisfied with riches."
4:9
A positive thought. Solomon sees advantages in twos and threes.
4:10
The fallen nature tends to make him ignore those who need help, and rather to
take from me small and weak - Micah2:1,2, IKings 21 - Naboth robbed of his
vineyard, Mat.21:38 - the decision by the many Jews to kill and rob Jesus, the
small, of the kingdom.
4:11
Animals often sleep together for mutual warmth. Fallen Man is often at the mercy
of the elements, since his covering was taken, when Adam and Eve sinned.
4:12
prevail against = overpower. Moffat says 'Two men can stand up to a robber, when
a single man would be overpowered." Christians always have the Lord with
them as Companion and Defense - Mt. 28:20, Ps.59:9,17. A three-fold cord - Num
6:24 - 26, Micah 6:8, Titus 2:12,13, IThess 1:3 with 2:9,10.
4:13
This verse begins a new line of thought, which goes through to v. 16. Moffat
says "A young man, lowly born and wise, is better than an old and
silly king, who will no longer take advice."
poor
= straightened in means, unable to profit others. There is a season for old
foolish kings, and a time for them to be challenged by their subjects. Solomon
notes that when God decides to. He can reverse a situation.
4:14
out of prison = in a rebellion
he
= the poor wise youth
comes
to reign = takes the throne
The
cycle has been going on for centuries. Military coups are common. An example of
one who came from prison to become head of a country is Joseph - Gen.41:40, and
also Daniel - 5:29, 6:1-3. The king, however, is reduced to poverty, even though
the throne was his first place, for example Rehoboam, who was robbed by Shishak.
Such reverses in fortune are an everyday part of modem life too, though in the
West the method is usually through the ballot box.
4:15
Solomon now considers the way the poor youth, who became head, is treated by the
world. Moffat says "I have seen all the living on earth side with such a
youth, who was destined to reign . . .". God's appointed season for
the reverse of destinies also has another part for the passing of the youth.
4:16
Moffat says "No end of people hailed him as their leader. Yet, later on,
men lost interest in him." Conclusion" all this is vanity, and feeding
on wind.
5:1-9
REGARDING VOWS
5:1
God = Elohim = the true God, or the Deity. In OT days God "dwelt' in a
place -John 4:20 24. hear = obey fools = 'kesil' = fat, inert. the sacrifice of
fools is disobedience, who consider not, or care not that they do wrong. Fools
know only how to do wrong by nature, but to be obedient is to keep the foot from
walking astray. Ps.23,48:14, 139:10
5:2
thing = word. "God is in heaven and you are upon earth". This
statement shows the great gulf between fallen Man and the Creator, "on
earth" is the equivalent to '"under the sun" - 1:3.
5:3
Moffat says "For as many worries mean that a man will dream, so many words
mean that a fool is talking". A fool, as in v. 1 speaks rashly to God, by
reason of his lack of self-control, in the same way as a man with too many
problems has nightmares, which come in spite of his attempts to control himself.
5:4
vow a vow = make a solemn vow to Elohim.
Laws
concerning vows : Lev.27, Num.6:2 -21, Deut.23:21
-
5:5
Jepthah had to keep his vow
5:6
"your flesh to sin . . ."by making vows concerning the flesh, such as
eating, drinking, marrying, etc.
angel
= messenger, as in Mal. 2:7
destroy
= confiscate, as in Deut.23:21-23.
5:7
Referring back to v.3. In many words and in many dreams there is great vanity.
The fallen nature always speaks and expresses itself by these things because it
is out of harmony with its Maker. Mat. 12:34, Jer.l7:9,10, Mat. 15:18,19.
"But fear thou God" this is the only satisfying solution to
Man's dilemma. "Thou" = you. Reader
5:8
He that is higher, etc = The High One above the high one regards, even the Most
High is over them. This title is given to Melchizedek - Gen. 14, and to Jesus,
the Son of the Most High - Ps. 110 and Heb.7.
5:9
The profit of the earth, it is for all - the whole, that is, not just the king,
in his day. The king is served by the field, but the ruthless ones, of v.8, who
oppress, have an advantage over others. Solomon points out here one of the most
common causes of international disruption.
5:10-20
ABIDING SATISFACTION
5:10
Sm and Gdsp says "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor
he who loves riches with gain". This leads to the area of gain and profit.
Who is ever content with abundance without increase? or invested capital without
interest? Human nature tends to want more than it needs.
The
Law prohibits rigorous interest, or the exaction of return of a loan without
first regarding the condition of the borrower. Exorbitant interest (usury) is
forbidden -Ex.22:25, Lev.25:36,37, Deut.23:19,20, Neh.5:7,10. Fallen Man's
nature makes him believe that wealth brings satisfaction.
5:11
Moffat says "The more a man gains, the more there are to spend it - while
the owner can only look on." This is the same old cycle of gain and loss,
wealth and poverty, one or many entering into another's goods.
5:12
to sleep = to sleep soundly.
abundance
= surfeit. Deut.21:20 condemns gluttony. Also Prov.23:l - 3, 20, 21, 25:16,
lPet.4:3. (Mat. 11:19) Solomon is not here praising labour; he is noting the
folly in the contrast between those who have too little and those who have too
much. The rich have all they want PLUS, but they can't get a good night's sleep,
while the poor have barely enough, but ALSO have something which the rich, for
all their wealth do not have.
5:13
Verses 13 - 17 form a single unit about the futility of labouring for self and
hoarding wealth.
owners
- plural for emphasis, as in v. 11.
kept
= hoarded.
5:14
evil travail = toil's result, which is fatigue, as in 2:23, and 4:4. In v.l3,
one aspect of hoarded riches is touched on, namely, the problems associated with
wealth - to their own hurt the wealthy cling to the cause of their
troubles. In v. 14 Solomon notes that the means of acquiring wealth can also be
the cause of losing it too. Sm and Gdsp says "and that wealth is lost in an
unfortunate enterprise". It is like one who works all his life, investing
and re-investing, and keeping two jobs, and denying most pleasures, only to try
a 'likely' venture, and see all his efforts collapse in a bankruptcy.
5:15
We cannot take anything with us - Job 1:21, Ps.49:17, ITim. 6:7
5:16
What advantage has he that laboured (toiled)
5:17
Moffat says "What does he gain by all his futile toil, spending his days in
gloominess, privations, deep anxieties, distress and fits of auger?" (By
contrast, Christians are to ; Philippians 4:6, Ps.55:22, Mat. 11:30
5:18
- 20 is all one unit. It covers gifts of God to all Mankind, as He sees fit to
distribute. Verse 18 ends with "it is his (fallen Man's) portion" or
lot. Verse 19 '^this is the (a) gift of God. In a nutshell, these mercies are
summarized in Gen. 8:21,22 and Acts 14:15 - 17. The passage is like a
consolation message to fallen Man, to count his blessings, and to enjoy what he
has in the few short years he lives.
5:19
Those to whom God has seen fit to increase, may also enjoy what they have. V. 18
those who toil... it is his portion, v. 19 those who are rich .. .it is his
portion.
5:20
Completing the unit. If men are occupied with the things God gives them, they
will not be too bothered by the fact that they must shortly die.
answers
= respond, as in Hos.2:21,22, and note on Ecc.10:19. God is me source of all
good things.
6:1-9
FRUSTRATED DESIRE
6:1
men = the man (adam) = humanity. (See note on 1:13)
6:2
An example of this is in Luke 12;20,21, and in Nebuchadnezzar - Dan.4:30 - 32,
and in the butler and baker in Gen.40:1-4 who went from the honour of serving
the king, to dishonour in prison. Or, he dies.
6:3
To be deprived of burial was considered by the Hebrews one of the greatest
dishonours that could be inflicted on a human being - Ps. 141:7, Jer.36:30,
Deut.28:26, ISam. 17:44-46
6:4
he comes = the untimely one, comes with vanity.
6:5
at least, says Solomon, a still-born child hasn't experienced a long, miserable
life.
6:6
though he = (the man ofv.3) live for 2000 miserable years, he might as well have
not lived at all, for, ultimately, all go to one place, that is Sheol, the
grave.
6:7
all the labour = toil of man(adam) is for his mouth(soul) and yet the appetite
(soul) is not filled- (Go to a fairground, and watch the passing faces. Misery,
boredom, hurt, loneliness, passing by, while all around the wheels spin, the
lights flash, the music plays.)
6:8
Both wise men and fools toil to satisfy their souls, and so does the poor man,
who has the sense to sensibly. All people, from all walks of life, toil to feed
their souls.
6:9
Moffat says "better a joy at hand, than wants that roam abroad."
Concluding his notes on frustrated desire, Solomon says that even to have a
"joy at hand" is to feed on wind, because it is still part of fallen
Man's common, mortal, temporary, material existence.
6:10
- 12 MAN HELPLESS BEFORE FATE
Referring
back to 1:9. Adam is that which has been, and which is named already. The
Adamites, fallen Mankind, are not able to contend with their Creator,- Ps.l44:4,
39:4 -6, all ofPs.49, Ps. 62. God cannot be resisted - Is.27:4,40:17.
6:11
Man also contends with God with words. Sm and Gdsp says "He is unable to
contend with Him that is stronger than he. For the more words, the greater is
the vanity." Solomon sees that even though fallen Man tries to contend, all
he is doing is increasing his futility, and he is no better off.
6:12
all . . .vain life = the numbered days of his vain life. Fallen Man spends his
life like a shadow. Who can tell him what the future holds to his benefit. He
won't be there to enjoy it. Time and death reduce everything to futility.
7:1
- 14 A MEDLEY OF PROVERBS
7:1
good = precious. A good name can be got, but precious ointment is no indication
of goodness. This proverb is characteristic to all proverbs in the Bible, in
that it is a short, compact sentence, and a condensed summary of some basic
truth, capable of being expanded at any time.
For
fallen Man, who spends his life futility toiling, the day he dies is better than
the day he is born, because he is passing out of all his futility.
7:2
men = Mankind (Heb. adam). If fallen Man would keep it in mind that death
"is the end of all men" he would be more mindful of the now he
lives in - instead of feasting, and forgetting his Creator.
7:3
sorrow = kaas = sadness. Peter was sobered up by this means - Luke 22:61, 62,
Zech.l2:10- 14.
7:4
House of mirth contrasting with house of mourning. Both are expressions.
Mourning, reality, soberness, truth. Mirth, foolishness, madness, unreality,
senility, self-deception.
7:5
Rebuke of the wise - Prov.27:6,24:24,25,9:7,8.
7:6
This verse adds to v.5. Fools are like burning nettles - hot air.
7:7
oppression = the act of oppression. When a wise man becomes an oppressor of men,
he is acting in a mad way; he is out of control.
a
gift = a bribe, which destroys the heart. Stable, wise people, are destroyed by
bribes because it is breaking God's Law, and He will punish such - Ex.23:2,6.
Deut. 16:19 says to take no bribes. Man corrupts himself- Hos.9:9, Gen.6:12, Ex.
8:24.
7:8
All things work together for good for Christians - Rom.8:28. An OT
example was Joseph, who began in a pit and ended up as co-ruler of Egypt -
Gen.37:24,41:37 - 46.
7:9
8,9 and 10 are linked by the theme of patient and impatient spirits. Pride and
impatience come from the fallen nature, and are similar in that they echo
Satan's boasting in heaven - Ez.28:17 ... the way Man went before the Flood -
Gen.6:5 - and after it - Gen. 11:1-6. Patience is a fruit of wisdom. It comes
from knowing that God is in control - Ps.25:2 - 5 and Ps.37.
7:10
Moffat says "Never ask why the past was better than the present for that is
a foolish question". Why? Because everything is being repeated - Ecc. 1:9 -
11, 3:11.
7:11
wisdom is good with = like, an inheritance. For fallen man, wisdom is as good as
riches, giving the possessor an advantage over fools. Ecc.2:16. Solomon here
establishes two basic values: riches and wisdom, hi the next verse he shows the
great advantage of wisdom over riches.
7:12
but - emphatic.
wisdom
gives life = future life. See Lev. 18:5 where "live" = live again, in
resurrection life - Rev.20:5. Other places where "live" is used in
this sense - Ez.3:21, 20:11, Luke 10:28, Rom. 10:5, Gal.3:12, Neh.9:29, Hab.2:4,
Rom. 1:17, Heb. 10:38.
7:14
find = discover. Sm and Gdsp says "God has made one thing to balance
another." Moffat says "all to keep Man from knowing what is to
happen." God rules fallen Man, sending everything according to His
will, as we see in 3:1 - 11. It is not for fallen Man to know what God is going
to do. On the other hand, Christians are not like this, having 1. The holy
Spirit - Acts 2:38 2. Prophesy - 2Pet.l:19. Amos 3:7, 3. Union with the father
and Son - John 17, James 1:5.
7:15-29
WORLDLY WISDOM
7:15
just = righteous. Righteous ones do die - Ps.ll6:15, IKings 18:13, and Is.53
where the righteous are slain. The wicked die, as in Jehoram - 2Chron.21:5 - 20,
Ps. 10, 37:35,36, Jer. 12:1-3.
7:16
over much - depending on the merit of good works.
over
wise - beyond what is necessary, or over righteous.
destroy
yourself = make yourself lonely, or forsaken, as in Job 16:7. Moffat says
"Be not over good, or over wise." Ironically, too much zeal in obeying
God, that is in doing more than He requires, can lead to the mistaken
belief that works count for something, which contradicts the statement that
'*the just shall live by faith" - Lev. 18:5. Too much knowledge can lead to
the mistaken belief that thinking is in some way adding on one's salvation. Rom.
10:6 - 8 shows that God's wisdom is so near and so accessible that all people
can know it, without the need for a huge amount of learning. Mat. 11:25, Luke
10:21, Rom.l:22, 22:16, lCor.l:9, 3:10 - 20, 2Tim.3:15.
7:17
Be no over much wicked = be not very wicked. Why? Because violation of nature's
laws always ends in damage to health, and, often, premature death.
foolish
= stupid
7:18
this - the words of v.17. Avoid being over wise, and also avoid being foolish,
and stand in awe of God - that way you make His ways your own ways, and avoid
the problems which beset so many other people.
7:19
See Is.40:28 - 31. Ecc.9:13 - 18 expands on v.l9, and the same thought is
repeated in Prov.24:5, 21:22, 8:14. The wisdom referred to is that given by God
- it is not earthly wisdom. By seeking Him, and obeying His commands, one may
grow in this supernatural wisdom - as it says in Ps. 1. The 10 mighty men are
strong physically, and probably intellectually, but in God's sight, the one who
learns of Him - lSam.l6:7 - is stronger.
10
mighty men (or rulers, or wardens) may try to guard the city, but the best way
of guarding yourself is by taking heed of God's Word. His wisdom is a sure and
dependable guard.
7:20
This is part of v. 19. Even the best men on earth are open to lapses and
failures. This stresses the importance of God's way of defense and security -
His wisdom.
7:21
Also = one thing more.
curse
= revile
Moffat
says "Never listen to all that people say: you may hear your own slave
cursing you."
7:22
The heart is known to God, even if your words are not always spoken
-Jer.l7:9,10, Mat. 15:18,19, Rom.l:28.
7:23
ALL THIS - and all the preceding studies - have I proved, or tested, by wisdom.
Solomon reaches another summary and goes over all his findings. His purpose was
"to become wise" as he says, in 1:17 - "I gave my heart to
know wisdom .. ." and 1:1 - 3 he says "but it was far from me."
It remained out of reach. He could find no wisdom in the things he
studied, on the material level that is - 1:18, 2:11,17. Science in all its areas
of study has come to the same conclusion. The material universe, taken as an
accident of random evolution, contains many millions of examples of wisdom, but
if a Maker is denied, the wisdom leads nowhere, means nothing.
7:24
exceeding deep = Heb. = deep, deep.
that
which is = whatever far off. Wisdom is very far off from fallen Man, and
who (of fallen Man) can find it out?" The wisdom of fallen Man is natural,
and not able to be compared with the deep deep wisdom of God - lCor.2:14.
7:25
Solomon stresses his thorough methods of investigation. Moffat says "He
cast about in his mind to KNOW and SURVEY and DISCOVER" He applied his
heart to KNOW and to SEARCH and to SEEK out."
wickedness
= rasha = lawlessness.
7:25
- 29 cover: the reason, or root cause of lawlessness, and of madness and folly,
which are the opposites to wisdom.
7:26
"More bitter than death" implies a living death, or an event which is
as bad as actually dying. The woman = the event wherein a woman snares and binds
a man. The sin of adultery, by the Law, and socially, can create a terribly
bitter situation for the offenders and also for others involved indirectly. It
is forbidden in Ex.20:14, Deut.5:18, Mat.5:27, 19:18, Rom. 13:9, Gal.5:19, Heb.
13:4. The penalty is given in Lev.20:10, !Cor.6:9. Spiritual adultery is
another aspect - Jer.3, 13:27, Ez.16, 23, Hos.l, 2, Rev.2:22. This woman is
typical of the "strange woman" of Prov.5:3 and 2:16, meaning an
apostate person, gone over to the idolatrous impurities of heathen religion. The
danger is religious rather than moral, which is why Solomon adds "whoever
pleases God shall escape from her". (Another example of this
"adulterer' is the tract stand for a cult or New Age teaching, sitting in a
doorway on the street, for passers-by to help themselves to. Like a prostitute
it allures people in.)
7:27
I take it that Solomon took a census or poll of men and women. He was called the
Koheleth, or Assembler, of statistics, so it is quite likely that part of
his survey included men and women.
7:28
my soul = I myself.
Moffat
says "One true man in a thousand, but never a true woman. The percentage of
wise, God-fearing people per thousand gave Solomon the evidence which confirmed
what God had already stated in the past. For example, only Noah and his family
escaped the Flood (Geu.6:5 - 8), only Lot and two daughters escaped the
destruction of Sodom and four other cities (Gen. 18 and 19), only 7000 out of
the millions in Israel had not bowed their knees to Baal (IKings 19:18). Only a
remnant out of the whole world is faithful to God-Rom. 11:4,5, Neh.l:3, Is. 1:9,
11:11, 16, Jer.23:3.
A
woman among all those (which I counted), who was an upright, wise. God-fearing
soul, have I not found. Fallen Man is predominantly lost. Solomon found that by
far the greatest majority of people in his survey were "seeking out
inventions", that is, following their sinful imaginations. (TV today is an
excellent example of how depraved and ignorant Man's fallen mind is.)
7:29
CONCLUSION.
inventions
= devices
they
= Mankind
Elohim
made Adam upright, and sinless, but since that wonderful beginning, the fallen
progeny of Adam have turned to ways of death - Gen.6:12, Prov.l4:12, 16:25,
Is.55:7.Ez.3:18.
8:1-9
THE CAPRICE OF RULERS
Caprice
is a sudden change of mind or conduct.
1.
who is like a wise man? Those who have God's wisdom are wise, as Ps. 119:130
indicates. The "face" of a man (adam) shines = his life is illuminated
by the light of truth boldness = sternness
When
fallen Man obeys God, he is given a measure of understanding, which changes his
earthly plane of existence, which is usually the same as that of the beasts -
Ecc.3:19, to a new lifestyle, in which he looks for the Saviour in heaven -
Phil. 3:20, Rom. 8:23.
face
= himself. (See "God's face" in Ps.34:16, lPet.3:12, Luke 1:76,
2Chron.7:14, Ps.27:8.
8:2
I think Solomon here addresses the readers of his day, saying to them that they
should keep his commandment. Why? Because he was specially blessed by God
according to the oath - lKings3:5 - 12, 4:29 - 34. Because all the words of
Solomon in the Bible are inspired, we also today should keep them. See
Prov.l:8,23, 33.
8:3
be not hasty - rebel not rashly against him, as did Shimei in IKings 2:42, and
Abiathar in 2:26, and Joab in 2:31.
8:4
Solomon goes from himself, to "a king", bringing out the authority
which kings have. They have power, and might, and control - Heb "shilton',
only here and v.8 - but only over the behavior of those under them. This fact is
put alongside their impotence in v.8. God gives kings authority as He rules men
from heaven - John 19:11, Ps.2, Mat.28:18, Dan.5:18, 4:35,2:21. 8:5 feel no evil
thing = know no calamity. A wise man can discern "a time, yes, a judgment
time". Daniel was a wise man who saw this - Dan.2:19 - 23. Those familiar
with the curses of the Law (Deut.28, Lev.26) would be able to discern the
judgments of God in later years. The Times of the Gentiles also - Luke 21:24,
and their fullness -Rom. 11:25. All obedient to the king, whether he be a good
or a bad one, will be safe from his wrath - this is a general principle, and not
a hard and fast rule. However, the wise have a broader view, and see that the
times of both king and subject are both God's Hand.
8:6
because to every purpose (3:1-8) there is a time, fallen Man is unaware that
kings and subjects come and go as God decides, but the wise are enlightened on
this point.
therefore
. . . upon him = when the evil of Man is heavy upon him. When oppression exists,
the wise know that God will shortly judge the oppressors. Solomon points out
here, and v.6 and 7, that it is God who judges Man. There is a time to every
purpose ...
8:7
.. .but fallen Man is unaware of this. Man proposes - but God disposes
8:8
the powerlessness of Man. He has no power (see v.4) over the wind, to control
it.
wind
= ruach = breath. Ps.ll:5 andProv.30:4
The
context points more to the human spirit than the elements, since no man can
control the years he lives, v.8 is about the ordinary life of fallen Man -
'There is no discharge (furlough, holiday, break) in that war, (the battle of
life)"
wickedness
(cunning) cannot help.
No
amount of effort by Man can prevent the final act of life - death, for all Men
are given to it, and all possess death, in the end.
8:10
- 9:6 THE LACK OF MORAL DISCRIMINATION IN HUMAN AFFAIRS
8:9
Solomon breaks the line of thought, remarking again on his thoroughness of study
- every work that is done under the sun = upon the earth. Moffat says
"All this I saw as thoughtfully I pondered what goes on in this world
whenever men have power over their fellows, power to injure them".
8:10
the wicked = lawless men. (Heb rasha)
This
verse has to do with the association of wicked people, with the holy people and
me Temple. It is linked with verse 11 in that those in the city who should
have made a stand against the wicked but failed to do so. Jud. 17:6,
Mal.3:18. Moffat, Bullinger and Sm and Gdsp read this as "the wicked are
given a great burial but the pious are forgotten". It is true that both the
pious and the wicked are forgotten - Ecc. 1:11, 2:16. It is very common to have
leaders of the world's nation - with a record of terrible crimes -and yet the
world holds them up as if they are heroes - while the righteous are frequently
buried and forgotten, despite the fact mat they have worked for years, in
relative obscurity, helping, healing and blessing people, "and they (the
wicked and the holy) were forgotten in the city, where they had so done."
11
Swiftness of judgment is a good deterrent - Deut. 21:21. The thought ofv.10, of
me unfair end of a wicked and/or pious person, leads on to v. 11's thought of
this sort of common injustice thriving on delayed judgment, which leads in v.l2
to the way wicked people seem to thrive unmolested. 8:12 Ps.73 expands on this
verse. Also Ps.37 (esp.v.7), 92:7 and 12.
8:13
see above.
14
Moffat says "Good men fare as if they were wicked, and wicked men fare as
if they were good". Both wise and foolish are hit by storms - Mat.7:24 -
29, Rom.8:18 -25. The standing we have with God personally is the crucial thing
- lCor.3, Rev .20:6, 12- 15.
8:15
mirth = "simchah = rejoicing, joy, gladness. "No better thing" -
see note on 2:24. Fallen Man has his allotted portion while he lives: food, and
the usual physical range of other pleasures, which may be his to enjoy during
his brief time of toil in this life.
labour
= toil. This word answers to "business"' in the next verse.
8:16
when I.. .through to v. 17 . . .then I. When I, then I.
business
= travail
Moffat
says "When I gave my mind to the study of wisdom, to study all the busy
life of the world". Solomon saw the extreme of the business, or
travail, of the world - toiling night and day.
8:17
His conclusion: fallen Man cannot fathom God's ways or thoughts, neither can a
wise man. Is.55:8,9, Rom. 11:33 - 36. (I am reminded of an illustration I heard,
of a man who needed $300,000. He asked a brother to pray for him, and shortly a
woman came with the money. She had started saving ten years beforehand. This
simple cause and effect is part of an unfathomable series of causes and effects,
which goes back through history, covering billions of possible alternatives. No
wise man could ever work the whole out.) This is a farther development of
Solomon's earlier conclusion in 7:23, 24, for in v.l7 here, he says "yes,
farther", (or: "in addition")
9:1
considered = I have taken to heart
no
man = no adam
God
= Elohim
The
wise are ruled just as much as the foolish, and no man (adam) knows whether his
future will hold either love or hatred.
All
that is before them = the future of the wise or the foolish. 9:2 All of Mankind
briefly summarized into general categories must face the "one event",
just as in v.l Solomon found that none know their future, so also none know the
time of their death. (See notes on 2:14,15).
9:3
an evil = the greatest or worst calamity of all.
Notice
the force of the words when the italics are removed: "and after that - to
the dead!"
evil
= calamity
Death
is the worst calamity ever to hit Man. Rom.5:12 - 14, 6:25, Heb. 9:27, Hos.
13:14 - "I will ransom them from the power of the grave ..." Death is
so powerful, it took the death of the Son of God to pay its terrible price -
2Cor.5:21.
9:4
hope = confidence = Heb bittalion. Only used here.
a
living dog. Dogs were regarded as a most unclean and despicable creature.
Examples :
lSam.l7:43, 24:14. 2Sam.9:8, 16:9, 2Kings 8:13, Mat.7:6, 15:26,
Rev.22:15. By contrast, the lion was regarded as a noble animal : Gen.49:9, Job
10:16, Is.38.-13, Lam.3:10, Hos. 13:7, Rev.5:5
9:5
This verse gives the basic reason why being alive is preferable to being dead.
The dead know not anything - see v. 10, Ps.6:5,30:9, 31:17, 88:11, Is.38:18,19.
The
dead have no reward = no advantage, or self-advantage.
The
memory of them = their faculty of remembering; as the first thought states, they
know not anything.
9:6
stresses the complete lack of communicative ability by the dead.
9:7
Solomon gives advice to fallen Man, concerning his enjoyment of pleasures and
gifts of God. This is all in contrast and complement to the preceding thoughts.
While Man is alive, he might as well enjoy . .. etc.
9:8
Anointing with ointment was commonly practiced as a mark of hospitality - Luke
7:46, as honour for kings - 2Kings 11:12, and for priests - Ps. 133:2, and as a
sign if joy -Ps.45:7,Heb.l:9.
White
garments '= purity of character - Dan.7:9, Mat. 17:2, 27:3, Mark 16:5, Luke
24:4, John 20:12, Rev.7:13. 19:14.
9:9
This verse is fall of the emphatically stated idea of fallen Man's temporary,
futile, vain, empty existence, with the accompanying few pleasures.
9:10
your hand = you
The
total end of fallen Man's consciousness and communicative ability is stressed.
See notes on v.5.
9:11
"time and chance" = does not mean luck, or fickle fate, because we
have already seen that God orders and rules everything. The words mean
"occurrence and time of fortune or misfortune
happens
= befalls
race
= Heb. merots = a race. This word used only once. I think the principle here is
:
the
winning of a race is not always for those best suited for running, nor is the
winning of a battle to those best armed and able to fight, etc. There is a
predetermined time set by God for all men to either fail or succeed at things.
See next verse. (This is always within the balance between what God knows will
happen and Man's free will. As Man makes choices, he sets running a chain of
causes and effects, all of which God knew about long before they happened.
Knowing something is not the same thing as controlling it.)
9:12
The best and the most able are often destroyed or "snared" in a time
of calamity. 9:13 New start, new subject. Moffat says "Here is another case
of wisdom which I have seen on earth, and I was struck by it."
9:14
poor - 2Cor.8:9, Phil.2:6 - 8, wise - lCor.l:24, delivered - ICor.l: 18,25, none
remembered - Is.58:3 despised - lCor.l:28, words heard in quiet - Job 6:24, Ez.
1:24,25, Luke 10:39
9:15
Having set the scene for "a time for war or siege", a wise man is
found who skillfully beats back the aggressor. No man remembered this "wise
man' because the whole generation passed on.
9:16
Because by wisdom men can be helped, it is a quality more valuable than strength
- Is.40:31 The poor man's words and wisdom are forgotten by the next generation
after him. The consolation is that God sees everybody - 12:14 - and will set
things right one day.
9:17
and 18 add thoughts to the "little city" illustration. Solomon sees
that wise people behave differently from fools - they are quieter and less
demanding. Fools tend to be loud and oppressive.
9:18
A sinner is one who sins, which means he/she breaks God's Law, hence: a lawless
person. Such can ruin the work of wise people. Like leaven, a lawless person can
spoil a whole group of wiser people - lCor.5:6, Gal.5:9.
Chapter
10.
10:1
Dead flies = flies of death. (A Hebrew expression). They bring or produce death.
The contrast is between he who has a reputation for having wisdom, and his
folly, which is greater than it at first appears.