Love the brotherhood. EAT, AND TO DRINK, AND TO BE MERRY. ". Commentary, explanation and study verse by verse. Ecclesiastes 8:15 Parallel Verses [ See commentary ] Ecclesiastes 8:15, NIV: So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad.Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. God's purpose must be 3. His reply is not an observation, but the answer of faith. He believes what he cannot seethat one day all will be well for everyone who lives in the fear of God (Ryken, p. 196). Wisdom can enable a person to avoid the kings wrath (Ecclesiastes 8:2-9), but it cannot enable him or her to understand fully why God deals with people as He does (Ecclesiastes 8:10-17). Still, we must not treat God flippantly or carelessly. If moral evil is in view, perhaps the sense is becoming a civil lawbreaker. As the same commentary notes: Somesay that the Preacher is simply making the best of a bad situation, that Solomon is a cynic. [6] For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and whips every son whom he receives. experience of a THEN I COMMENDED MIRTH,. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth _There is a vanity which is done upon the earth_ Either by wicked 2. We must keep in due subjection to the government God has set over us ( v. 2-5 ). Therefore, consider ye actually this time as God's patience in order that men might be saved. We must keep in due subjection to the government God has set over us (v. 2-5). I commend joy, he says (Ecclesiastes 8:15 Ecclesiastes 8:15Then 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.American King James Version), and the word he uses for commend is a Hebrew word for praise (shabach). He is instead, in great mercy, giving everyone more time to repentand He is letting us see how far we will drift without His intervention. dispensations of Providence_._ _Howeve Who is as the wise man? American King James Version). We see the just troubled and perplexed in their own minds, the wicked easy, fearless, and secure,--the just crossed and afflicted by the divine Providence, the wicked prosperous, successful, and smiled upon,--the just, censured, reproached, and run down, by the higher powers, the wicked applauded and preferred. him from his labour. He would have us to take occasion hence, not to charge God with iniquity, but to charge the world with vanity. [8] But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons. CHARACTERS: God, Solomon. God does see. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. That's a fatal mistake to make. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit in whatsoever state 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). Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. is simply that the wicked were able to die and receive a proper burial after a long life without having to face up to what they'd doneall the while having been permitted in life to be regularly in God's temple, a sacrilege and mockery of religion. These seeming anomalies in the moral government of God are part of Thus the Preacher warns against a capricious desertion of ones post (cf. Nor does it mean that the person will be afforded protection by the government, though he or she well may, as all do to some extent. Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments Ecclesiastes 8:1. Verse 7 in context presents more about the need for discerning the right time and way. This is the perspective that must be maintainedalong with understanding what the future will bring. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. By any of these interpretations, many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally. the Book of Proverbs. So we should not expect that corrupt people coming together to form a government would result in righteous rule. They will wait for a suitable opportunity to act, then act in such a way that, though they do not disobey the king, neither do they sin against their conscience (2-5).Despite the compromise he recommends, the writer knows that people remain uneasy about the outcome and about the future in general. Honor all men. No fault is to be found with God; but, as to the world, This is vanity upon the earth, and again, This is also vanity, that is, it is a certain evidence that the things of this world are not the best things nor were ever designed to make a portion and happiness for us, for, if they had, God would not have allotted so much of this world's wealth to his worst enemies and so much of its troubles to his best friends; there must therefore be another life after this the joys and griefs of which must be real and substantial, and able to make men truly happy or truly miserable, for this world does neither. Ecclesiastes 8:13. wicked men sometimes do not live out half their days, which, according to the course of nature, and 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 quickly gone; or . They begin to scoff at it, even as Peter said they would. People are soon forgotten after they die. There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous: so I said that this also is vanity ( Ecclesiastes 8:13-14 ). In view of these contradictions, Solomon again recommended the enjoyment of life, not in a pleasure-mad way but in the sense of enjoying the fruits of ones labor (cf. [Compare 1 Corinthians 15:32 1 Corinthians 15:32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantages it me, if the dead rise not? The mention of an oath to God may bring to mind the need to follow through on vows to God in Ecclesiastes 5. heads and be cheerful, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God in 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 ). let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Because He doesn't execute His sentence speedily, because He doesn't immediately come down to the fist of judgment upon a man, a man many times thinks he's getting away with his evil. serving the king, followed by a number Ecclesiastes 7:19-8 [10] For they truly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 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. [21] Also take no heed to all words that are spoken; lest you hear your servant curse you: He had power over His Spirit to dismiss it. SUN EXCEPT TO EAT AND TO DRINK AND TO BE MERRY, AND THIS WILL STAND BY The Targum interprets it of the joy of the law; Chapter 8 is similar. 196-197). [5] But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, which after he has killed has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, Fear him. And thus, they give their hearts over to evil because they think that God is too remote to care. Romans 13 speaks of rulers executing wrath on evildoers. [24] That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? "There is no man that hath power, etc." ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ). CONCLUSION: Heavenly wisdom makes a man a good man, Ecclesiastes 8:1. His survey now digresses to consider a wise man's responsibility when I see life moving on. Honor the king. pleasures; but it is the good and wholesome advice of the wise There is a serenity that comes with things starting to make senseand with trusting that God knows whatHes doing when things still dont. American King James Version). and vexations arising from the vanity of the world. Ecclesiastes 1:15:: King James Version (KJV) Ecclesiastes 1:15 - That which is crooked H5791 cannot H3201 be made straight: H8626 and that which is wanting H2642 cannot H3201 be numbered. physical senses, but also frequently to religious joy. This would also seem to tie in to the warning against turning to wickedness at the end of Ecclesiastes 8:8 Ecclesiastes 8:8There is no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither has 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.American King James Version. American King James Version). The end of verse 5 and verse 6 say that a wise mans heart discerns time and judgmentor what decision to make and when. That all of the talk of the rapture of the church and the return of Jesus Christ is just piped dreams, a misinterpretation of scriptures. Of the righteous and the wicked (Ecclesiastes 8:11) these men against divine Providence, and the inferences they dra Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, God has given him; this is what had been observed before, ( 1-17. Verse 14 repeats the dilemma of Ecclesiastes 7:15 Ecclesiastes 7:15All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongs his life in his wickedness.American King James Versionthe righteous suffering what wickedness is supposed to result in and the wicked receiving what righteousness is supposed to result in. Jesus made clear that we are to fear not mere human beings who can take only our immediate lives but to fear Him who is able to remove us from existence forever (Matthew 10:28 Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.American King James Version; Luke 12:4-5 Luke 12:4-5 [4] And I say to you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ( Romans 9:20 ) The sovereignty of the king, which also speaks to the sovereignty of God. drink, and to be merry; HIM IN HIS TOILS THROUGHOUT THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE WHICH GOD HA 14-17 Faith alone can establish the heart in this mixed scene, where and cheerfully, with moderation and thankfulness, to enjoy what Though he be very confident of success, though he think to know it, yet he shall not; he cannot find it out. 3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight. Add to Wish List Add to Compare. That Jesus isn't coming again. And the word forgotten does work here. carried out. Things just continue as they were from the beginning.'" We must arm ourselves against the temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange (v. 9, 10). And thus, it appears that the evil man is getting away with his evil actions, his evil deeds. for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ). That is because people end up sitting on death row for decades. They should not spend weary days and sleepless nights puzzling over problems to which only God knows the answer (16-17). God puts up with so much. So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. [12] For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom gives life to them that have it. That improves our situation in life and keeps us from ways that would make things worse for ourselves. And the same is true of God. Solomon next mentions seeing the wicked buried (verse 10). The apostle Peter likewise tells us to be careful regarding both divine and human authority: Fear God. He would not have us try to give a reason for what God does. In the person of a sensual man. That it was all labour in vain, Ecclesiastes 8:17; Ecclesiastes 8:17. No man has any power over the spirit. 2. [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? Mirth therefore, and a contented enjoyment of God's gifts, preferable to immoderate care and search, Ecclesiastes 8:15. I. Our present life is a life under the sun, but we look for the life of the world to come, which will commence and continue when the sun shall be turned into darkness and shine no more. This is not speaking of understanding that there will be a future judgment from God, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8. . However, some take visiting the holy place here as having occurred repeatedly during the life of the wicked people now being buried. Solomon in verse 2 says to keep the kings command, not My commandhe being the king. God will judge. Then I commended mirth,. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit in whatsoever state condition men are; serenity and tranquillity of mind, thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortable use of it; this the wise man praised and recommended to good men, as being much better than to fret at the prosperity of the wicked, and the seemingly unequal distribution of things in this world, and because they had not so much of them: as others; who yet had reason to be thankful for what they had, and to lift up their heads and be cheerful, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God in another world. You can't really come to the king and say, "Hey, what are you doing?" Wise and good men have, of old, been perplexed with this difficulty, how the prosperity of the wicked and the troubles of the righteous can be reconciled with the holiness and goodness of the God that governs the world. The sentiment of this verse is a frequent conclusion of the writers personal experience (compare marginal references), and is unfairly charged with Epicureanism. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:18, the Epicurean Not so. CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations 14 The good are soon 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. To whom it happeneth, &c. TEXT 8:14-17 [29] For our God is a consuming fire. If one does not know what will happen, how can he learn when it will happen? It has a spirit of hopeless despair; it has no praise or peace; it seems to promote questionable conduct. But He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" ( 2 Peter 3:9 ). One day, God will set things right. Ecclesiastes 8:15 in all English translations. man, for men to be easy under every providence, satisfied with 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas. 5:18; Ecclesiastes 9:7 To be merry This he speaks of sensual delights. Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Adam Clarke Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - College Press Bible Study Textbook Series, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - ETCBC data on Hebrew bible, Ecclesiastes 8:15 - Expositor's Bible Commentary (Nicoll), Ecclesiastes 8:15 - G. 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To go from someones presence elsewhere signifies disaffection or disloyalty . No power in death. Ecclesiastes 8:15 "Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun." King James Version (KJV) < Previous Verse Next Verse > View Chapter Ecclesiastes 8:15 Context Love the brotherhood. Eat, and to drink, and to be merry.The three words occur together 1Kings 4:20. abideHebrew, "adhere"; not for ever, but it is the only sure good to be enjoyed from earthly labors (equivalent to "of his labor the days of his life"). 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 . Though he be ever so ingenious, though he be a wise man in other things, and can fathom the counsels of kings themselves and trace them by their footsteps. _Who is as the wise man; and who knoweth the Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV - So I commend the enjoyment of life, - Bible Gateway Read the Bible Reading Plans Advanced Search Available Versions Audio Bibles Study Tools Scripture Engagement More Resources Explore More Newsletters Devotionals Bible Gateway App Bible Audio App Bible Gateway Blog Bible Gateway Plus Store Bibles Deals More Passage What happens to one happens to the other. Keeping this in mind results in a deep and abiding reverence for Godloving and trusting Him while recognizing His supreme power and holiness (see Hebrews 12:28-29 Hebrews 12:28-29 [28] Why we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Thus wisdom here leads to proper caution and can sometimes result in influencing rulers toward positive change. this he may expect to have and continue with him as long as he Fear of the Lord is to depart from evil. Yet these words of the Preacher show us the futility and foolishness of a life lived without an eternal perspective. a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.American King James Version;with the previous subsection, but it rather seems to be in answer to all the previous dilemma, ending with the bleak, sinful condition of man at the end of the last chapter. And one ruling another to that ones own hurt here is evidently a mistranslation. Ecclesiastes 8:1. (Note: Vid., Baer in Abodath Jisrael, p. of it; this the wise man praised and recommended to good men, as IV. 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. it pleases God; though it is but short, rather to be counted by When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. American King James Version; and read all of this psalm). Notice as well that he mentions joy twice in this verse and describes it as something we can experience all through life. 21st Century King James Version. Fear God. He's very loving. The preacher begins this chapter with the praise of wisdom, from its excellency and usefulness, Ecclesiastes 8:1; and advises men, if they would live quietly and comfortably, to honour and obey the king that rules over them, and not be rebellious against him, since he has great power and authority . American King James Versiona). Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. 1. yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him ( Ecclesiastes 8:12 ): Now, in the end the best life is the life of fearing God, walking with God. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes The change of face here also reflects a new face on the problems previously discussed. of We come now to the last part of the books third major section, which began in chapter 6, dealing with explaining and applying the plan of God in light of it seeming to be unfair. 8 Who is as the wise man? [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. submission to things as they are. But it is tragic when people misinterpret God's patience and God's kindness. potentates, who do commonly advance unworthy men, and oppress persons God does know. 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. But ultimately, it will go only this way when God sets everything right. Koheleth seems to have had a suspicion all the time that his view of 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. But Peter said, "God isn't slack concerning His promises, as some men count slackness, but He's faithful to usward. Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 Solomon reminds us that, as life falls out for us, we frequently do not understand it. 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." [27] Behold, this have I found, said the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: _ 1. Things happen to both good and evil men. Now because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil ( Ecclesiastes 8:11 ). The Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the So I know that in the long run that life is the best. Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than, For that shall abide with him of his labor, and that this should accompany him in his labor, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. Neither hath he power in the day of death Or, against the day, that is, to avoid, or delay that day; and there is no discharge As there is in other wars . Furthermore, the verses in chapter 8 do not seem to speak of human government rectifying problems so much as of us taking care to not run afoul of government (we will see similar verses in this regard in chapter 10). sun, than (n) to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall One of the common mistakes that people make is that of misinterpreting the nature of God. 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 ). of the greatest virtue and merit: or, by God's providence, who s "SO. and because they had not so much of them: as others; who yet had Product Identifiers Ecclesiastes 8:10 i _Then I commended mirth_ As before in chs. ( Ecclesiastes 8:5-7 ). fearing God, enjoyment through God commended. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 In the midst of a miscarriage, a failed friendship, or job loss, the preacher would remind us that 'there is a time for. [11] Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them which are exercised thereby. It's emptiness. So, again, the problems of human government must be navigated with wisdom and righteousness to improve life where possible and to avoid making matters worse than they already are. observing that no difference is made between the righteous and A Practical Verse-by-Verse Study of ECCLESIASTES - It is Don's interpretation that the book of Ecclesiastes describes Solomon's futile way of living as he heads down that slippery spiral of wine, women and song. He's giving you chance after chance after chance. The Tyndale commentary notes: To his hurt (Heb[rew]) is not to his own hurt (AV [Authorized or KJV]) but to the hurt of the one under the abuser of power (note on verse 9). He saw just men to whom it happened according to the work of the wicked, who, notwithstanding their righteousness, suffered very hard things, and continued long to do so, as if they were to be punished for some great wickedness. CHARACTERS: God, Solomon. Recall that this comes on the heels of Solomon presenting humanity as corrupt in chapter 7. 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. God's not willing that any should perish but that all should come into repentance. Partner with StudyLight.org as God uses us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine. Koheleth seems to have had a suspicion all the time that his view of life was a low one. The problem with this view is that it does not do full justice to what the Preacher says. And 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. with him of his labour the days of his life, which God givet KINGS'COURTS NEED WARY WALKING Man in this world is the property of _labour._ 3. another world. Most people, including many Christians, go through life hardly realizing that they are constantly in the presence of God. In Solomon's reign the people were very rich, and lived in prosperity, which perhaps made them proud and petulant, and when the taxes were high, though they had enough to pay them with, it is probable that many conducted themselves . under the sun the best thing to do is just to eat and drink and be merry ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ): Because man, that's all she wrote. That is all the fruit he has for himself of the pains that he takes in the business of the world; let him therefore take it, and much good may it do him; and let him not deny himself that, out of a peevish discontent because the world does not go as he would have it. The NIV renders the phrase in verses 5 and 6 as proper time and procedure. The New American Commentary notes: The wise man thus waits for the proper moment to make his case or take a stand and does not waste his influence on a lost cause (v. 3b). "I'm a prosperous cheat, so God is condoning my cheating. 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? the WICKED appear to escape judgment and receive blessings. MAN UNDER THE Things being so, as was related, Men hardened in sin, because not presently punished; but they shall not escape, but it shall go ill with them, Ecclesiastes 8:11-13; as it doth also sometimes with the righteous, whilst the wicked prosper, Ecclesiastes 8:14. Under the sun, man, life is just very shallow and you live life in a very shallow level, and. God does care. A man's wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed. 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens. 3:22 ) ( 5:18 ) ; 3: quid habet amplius homo de universo labore suo quod laborat sub sole. He, for his part, had applied his heart to know this wisdom, and to see the business that is done, by the divine Providence, upon the earth, to find out if there were any certain scheme, any constant rule or method, by which the affairs of this lower world were administered, any course of government as sure and steady as the course of nature, so that by what is done now we might as certainly foretel what will be done next as by the moon's changing now we can foretel when it will be at the full; this he would fain have found out. that vanity to which man has been made subject EXPOSITION mind, thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortab Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. counsels obedience to the powers that be_,_ and submission to the In Encountering Ecclesiastes, James Limburg relates what fellow biblical scholar and commentator Roland Murphy said to him in response to the issue of the author of Ecclesiastes being often referred to as a great doubter: The great doubter? Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. The Preacher is careful to set forth pleasure as a gift from God, to be earned by labor, and received with thankfulness to the Giver, and to be accounted for to Him. Who makes this observation? That shall abide with him during the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. A man cannot find out the work of God though you search it out. Prudence before kings (Ecclesiastes 8:1)_ The wicked go unpunished and, even when they are dead and buried, people still praise them for their achievements in life (9-10). This he speaks, either, But in context the wording appears to continue the warning about not getting into trouble with the government. Viewed by itself, and apart from its conte ECCLESIASTESNOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 8:14 It is a puzzling VANITY that Of course, it is true that human government has been established by God as a check against total lawlessness, as the apostle Paul explains in Romans 13. Hebrew word is applied not only to the pleasures arising from the Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). But this is not where things end. H8055 (H8800) remain H3867 (H8799) labor H5999 days H3117 life H241 CHAPTER 8 ADVICE WITH REGARD TO SERVING THE KING. Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon - Leaders Guide. So God is very kind. The Book of Ecclesiastes is, up to a certain point, the converse of THE BENEFITS OF WHOLESOME RECREATION righteous, determines to give up himself to sensual lusts and verba Ecclesiastes filii David regis Hierusalem. Add To Cart. 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. Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 meaning Although life is mysterious, Solomon has discovered by submitting to the God of Mystery, rather than trying to make sense of the world through human experience, he can enjoy and appreciate the best life has to offer. Read full chapter. [1.] and who knows the interpretation of a thing? We must arm ourselves against the temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange ( v. 9, 10 ). As has been pointed out before, some take a low view of the refrain. 1. Many claim that the death penalty is an ineffective deterrent to capital crime today. And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die. As mentioned previously, the seer and psalmist Asaph, a contemporary of Solomon, wrestled with how the righteoussuffered while the wicked prospered, then stating, When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for meuntil I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end (Psalms 73:16-17 Psalms 73:16-17 [16] When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 4: generatio praeterit et generatio advenit terra vero in aeternum stat. 15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. Or it could be that all the men of Israel took an oath as part of the nations military. a And He is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to walk in His ways, even despite our many and ongoing failures. Ecclesiastes 8:11. One aspect of God's nature is His tremendous patience with rebelling man. Ecclesiastes 8:15 KJ21 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun than to eat and to drink and to be merry, for that shall abide with him from his labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. But he does not dwell on that. 3. "Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.". Some see it as a worthless cause, calamitous outcome or anything the king would not like. Read the Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1 The book of Ecclesiastes is the most exhaustive investigation ever made as to the value and profit of various lifestyles. of his life, Who is as the wise man? PrivacyPolicyTerms ofUse. Salem Media Group. in whatsoever state condition men are; serenity and tranquillity of Therefore men fear him ([Job] 37:22-24) (note on 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). [7] If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? Ecclesiastes 2:14; Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 (Read Ecclesiastes 8:14-17) American King James Version). . For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? Now in chapter 8, Solomon tells us to exercise wisdom and righteousness to help reduce and manage problems in many cases, maintain proper perspective and find joy in life and ultimate reward from God. That is a tragic, fatal mistake of misinterpreting God's grace and God's goodness to you. The 2. God doesn't really know." in actual life. 3. Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary, this verse-by-verse commentary contain gems of information found nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings . Where the verse says they were forgotten, many others render this they were praised, reasoning that the positive eulogizing of the wicked after all their evil must be the vanity or frustration mentioned. The only one who really did exercise that kind of power over his spirit was Jesus Christ. All rights reserved. man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face What does Ecclesiastes 8:15 mean? being much better than to fret at the prosperity of the wicked, Thinks he has put one over on God. Sinners herein deceive themselves. Hey, it's great to be merry because a man has no better thing under the sun. The beginning of verse 8 says that no one can retain the spirit in the day of death. Nevertheless, there is joy for us in the ordinary things of lifeeating, drinking, and sharing fellowship with the people of God (p. 198). 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:17). The statement There is no release from that [or the] war could refer figuratively to the march into death that all face or simply be metaphoric for Theres no getting out of this. Then the final line, and wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it, would tie back to the turn to wrongdoing in verse 3. Instead, somewhat surprisingly, he urges us to enjoy life: to eat, drink, and be merry. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 1 THROUGH 12. Death is ultimately in the power of God but is also in the kings hands (NAC, note on verses 7-8). Though 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: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide This joy will make labor more enjoyable. His rule must be righteous, though this is often not seen Yet this is with the realization that God loves us and wants the best for us. But the person who fears God knows that God is always near. And this is further tied back to the warning in Ecclesiastes7:17: Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time? A turn to lawlessness will not stave off the punishment of death. and the seemingly unequal distribution of things in this world, Wisdom helps people see the underlying meaning of things and teaches them that to act with pleasantness is better than to act with harshness (8:1). In this division, dealing with the evidences of the vanity of life, The wicked will not ultimately be prolonged, yet the righteous will. Note that the obedience to the king is for the sake of your oath to God (same verse). 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that because of thy oath to God. 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 A good man's days have some substance; he lives to a good purpose: a wicked man's days are all as a shadow, empty and worthless. Beyond Today Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes. Here are given the four uncertainties mentioned above, the verse means that, "Not even great wealth will enable the wealthy to defy these limitations." [15] No discharge in war regards the uncertainty that threatens one who may be drafted into a war by some absolute monarch. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide We don't have that power. Then I commended mirth These are some more of the cavils of the infidel objector: "Since virtue is frequently under oppression, and vice triumphs in health, and rolls in wealth, I see plainly that we should not trouble ourselves about future things; and therefore should be governed by the maxim EDE, BIBE, LUDE. Though a man be ever so industrious, thou he labour to seek it out. When the time comes for you to die, you don't have any power over your spirit to retain it, to cause your spirit to remain. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. There is a vanity which is done upon the earth Either by wicked potentates, who do commonly advance unworthy men, and oppress persons of the greatest virtue and merit: or, by God's providence, who sees it fit for many weighty reasons so to manage the affairs of the present world. Cool, courteous, self-possessed, they bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity. 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 ). The point seems to be that if the king puts you to death for rebellion or crime, life is over. 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The ancient Jewish writings drink ; for to morrow we die rebellion or crime, life is over has spirit! You to death for rebellion or crime, life is just very shallow you... The temptation of an oppressive government and not sons that he mentions joy twice this... Seeing the wicked shall rot give a reason for what God does know corrupt people together.
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