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). People should not despair over these problems, but rather enjoy whatever God has given them in life (15). of the greatest virtue and merit: or, by God's providence, who s "SO. Yet these words of the Preacher show us the futility and foolishness of a life lived without an eternal perspective. 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. 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas. He had earlier said unto them, "No man takes My life from Me, I give My life" ( John 10:18 ). Ecclesiastes 8:1. That is because people end up sitting on death row for decades. That both he himself and many others had very closely studied the point, and searched far into the reasons of the prosperity of the wicked and the afflictions of the righteous. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. Solomon in Proverbs 10:7 Proverbs 10:7The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.American King James Versionwrote, The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. Perhaps the frustration in Ecclesiastes 8:10 Ecclesiastes 8:10And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.American King James Versionis simply that the wicked were able to die and receive a proper burial after a long life without having to face up to what theyd doneall the while having been permitted in life to be regularly in Gods temple, a sacrilege and mockery of religion. and because they had not so much of them: as others; who yet had In the person of a sensual man. because a man hath no better thing under the sun than to . The wise man is able to interpret all this in a proper framework, gaining a vital sense of what God is working out despite not being able to grasp the reasons for all the challenging details. Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 (Read Ecclesiastes 8:14-17) It's emptiness. He would have us to take occasion hence, not to charge God with iniquity, but to charge the world with vanity. So you know, live it up now. There is a serenity that comes with things starting to make senseand with trusting that God knows whatHes doing when things still dont. 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. the Book of Proverbs. The good are soon drink, and to be merry; these men against divine Providence, and the inferences they dra Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The sentiment CHAPTER 8 [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. Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary, this verse-by-verse commentary contain gems of information found nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings . 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 ). Do not be hasty to go from his presence. 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 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. ( Romans 9:20 ) The sovereignty of the king, which also speaks to the sovereignty of God. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible. (Note: Vid., Baer in Abodath Jisrael, p. MIRTH - Better, Gladness, or joy (as in Ecclesiastes 2:10). 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 FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 1 THROUGH 12. Cool, courteous, self-possessed, they bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity. Things being so, as was related, 21st Century King James Version. man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face No man has any power over the spirit. Solomon next mentions seeing the wicked buried (verse 10). Ecclesiastes 8:15 teaches us to be joyful in all circumstances. Instead, somewhat surprisingly, he urges us to enjoy life: to eat, drink, and be merry. And He is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to walk in His ways, even despite our many and ongoing failures. can do is to enjoy life while he has it. physical senses, but also frequently to religious joy. All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit in whatsoever state He's very long-suffering. 14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. 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: Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). He's very patient. Be discreet in relation with a ruler. American King James Version, Ecclesiastes 7:19 Ecclesiastes 7:19Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.American King James Version). To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. of it; this the wise man praised and recommended to good men, as American King James Version). This present life must be reckoned by days; this life is given us, and the days of it are allotted to us, by the counsel of God, and therefore while it does last we must accommodate ourselves to the will of God and study to answer the ends of life. 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). One day, God will set things right. A righteous man has prospered; an unrighteous man has prospered. 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 ). And, as the end of verse 1 tells us, this wisdom can dispel the gloom and brighten mans otherwise hard looks (Walter Kaiser, Ecclesiastes: Total Life, p. 89). sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide 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. of let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.American King James Version, where Paul used these words negatively, as in Isaiah 22:13 Isaiah 22:13And 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.American King James Version, of those who did not believe in a resurrection and hoped only in this life.] 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens. There 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. 3:22 ) ( 5:18 ) ; The king stands as the authority. The problem with this view is that it does not do full justice to what the Preacher says. 2. [17] Be not over much wicked, neither be you foolish: why should you die before your time? of his life, God's judgment will come, and thus, I surely know it will be well with those that fear God. DEATH OF THE WICKED. Abject in his fear before Moses, he was ready to promise anything; insolent in his pride, he swallows down his promises as soon as fear is eased, his repentance and his retractation of it combined to add new weights about his neck. So we should not expect that corrupt people coming together to form a government would result in righteous rule. Post mortem nulla voluptas.". The beginning of verse 5 says that the person who keeps the kings command will experience nothing harmful. This does not mean nothing bad will ever happen to the person. 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 . He hasn't come and He's not going to come. United Church of Godis a501(c)3organization. being much better than to fret at the prosperity of the wicked, [27] Behold, this have I found, said the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: Yet this is with the realization that God loves us and wants the best for us. the righteous often suffer, and the wicked prosper. God is exceedingly long-suffering. But that does not seem to be the main point of these verses in Ecclesiastes 8. God doesn't really know." Let us be ever thankful for the days of our lives. 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. and who knows the interpretation of a thing? Mirth therefore, and a contented enjoyment of God's gifts, preferable to immoderate care and search, Ecclesiastes 8:15. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:18, the Epicurean Fear God. neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he fears not before God. 8 Who is as the wise man? All rights reserved. They begin to scoff at it, even as Peter said they would. God does know. The words There is are in italics in the NKJV, showing theyve been added to the original wordingunnecessarily in this case. And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? That's the sum of life for you, so you might as well live it up because you're going to be burning after a while. 3. Or it could be that all the men of Israel took an oath as part of the nations military. [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Still, we must not treat God flippantly or carelessly. But it shall not be well with the wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:13 ), In the end God's judgment will come. The writer returns to the sentiment expressed already (Ecclesiastes 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. And thus, it appears that the evil man is getting away with his evil actions, his evil deeds. lives, even food and raiment, and with this he should be content. No! This joy will make labor more enjoyable. The first part of Ecclesiastes 8:3 Ecclesiastes 8:3Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him.American King James Versiontells us not to be quick to leave the ruler. And let us truly rejoice. 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. He would have us not to fret and perplex ourselves about it, or make ourselves uneasy, but cheerfully to enjoy what God has given us in the world, to be content with it and make the best of it, though it be much better with others, and such as we think very unworthy (Ecclesiastes 8:15; Ecclesiastes 8:15): Then I commended joy, a holy security and serenity of mind, arising from a confidence in God, and his power, providence, and promise, because a man has no better thing under the sun (though a good man has much better things above the sun) than to eat and drink, that is, soberly and thankfully to make use of the things of this life according as his rank is, and to be cheerful, whatever happens, for that shall abide with him of his labour. Who makes this observation? Solomon commended joy, and holy security of mind, arising from confidence in God, because a man has no better thing under the sun, though a good man has much better things above the sun, than soberly and thankfully to use the things of this life according to his rank. Let us pray that we may view eternal things as near, real, and all-important. This is added as another evidence of man's misery. But because God doesn't judge immediately, because the sentence of God isn't executed speedily, because God is giving you opportunity to turn, God is giving you opportunity to repent, God is giving you the opportunity to come out of your sin and to be saved and He's very patient with you. Some translate the word ruach here as breath (of life) rather than spirit, but that would not change the point here. One of the common mistakes that people make is that of misinterpreting the nature of God. And the same is true of God. [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. When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. So you don't really know what's going to be, when it's going to be. "It doesn't really matter to God how I live. Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes and who knows the interpretation of a thing? seventh chapter, to which they evidently belong. Rather, the meaning here is that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the governmentat least, generally speaking. shall be changed. In this division, dealing with the evidences of the vanity of life, Still, the language resembles the skeptical precept (1Co 15:32), introduced only to be refuted; and "abide" is too strong language, perhaps, for a religious man to apply to "eating" and "mirth.". it pleases God; though it is but short, rather to be counted by The Hebrew word is applied not only to the pleasures arising from the physical senses, but also frequently to religious joy. 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. Verse 1 extols having wisdom. 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. 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? (9 sessions) This study is part of the LifeLight Bible study series of in-depth studies of Bible books. thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortable use What does Ecclesiastes 8:15 mean? Things just continue as they were from the beginning.'" observing that no difference is made between the righteous and These seeming anomalies in the moral government of God are part of One aspect of God's nature is His tremendous patience with rebelling man. This is the perspective that must be maintainedalong with understanding what the future will bring. 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. SUN EXCEPT TO EAT AND TO DRINK AND TO BE MERRY, AND THIS WILL STAND BY We must get ready for sudden evils, and especially for sudden death ( v. 6-8 ). 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. He's giving you chance after chance after chance. Proud member Of the fear of God, the need for which we have already seen in the book and will see again in its conclusion (Ecclesiastes 3:14 Ecclesiastes 3:14I know that, whatever God does, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God does it, that men should fear before him.American King James Version; Ecclesiastes 5:7 Ecclesiastes 5:7For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear you God.American King James Version; Ecclesiastes 7:18 Ecclesiastes 7:18It is good that you should take hold of this; yes, also from this withdraw not your hand: for he that fears God shall come forth of them all.American King James Version; Ecclesiastes 12:13 Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.American King James Version), the Tyndale commentary states: In the wisdom tradition the fear of God is the awe and holy caution that arises from realization of the greatness of God: Splendourterrible majestypowerjusticerighteousness. God's ways are above ours, nor is he tied to his own former ways, but his judgments are a great deep. CONCLUSION: Heavenly wisdom makes a man a good man, Ecclesiastes 8:1. 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. The only one who really did exercise that kind of power over his spirit was Jesus Christ. Romans 13 speaks of rulers executing wrath on evildoers. Or possibly the reference is to a general promise to obey God, with this including the requirement of following Israels divinely appointed kingor maybe even any nations ruler, since, as Paul later points out in Romans 13, all governing authorities are in power because of God and are to be obeyedexcept when there is a conflict with Gods law, which must come first (Acts 5:29 Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.American King James Version). that vanity to which man has been made subject EXPOSITION Benson Commentary Ecclesiastes 8:14-15. 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 ). By any of these interpretations, many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally. experience of a THEN I COMMENDED MIRTH,. Innocent mirth, a cheerfulness of spirit His rule must be righteous, though this is often not seen drinking, and all manner of carnal deli Ecclesiastes 8:15 commended H7623 (H8765) enjoyment H8057 man H120 [18] It is good that you should take hold of this; yes, also from this withdraw not your hand: for he that fears God shall come forth of them all. And thus, they give their hearts over to evil because they think that God is too remote to care. Recall that this comes on the heels of Solomon presenting humanity as corrupt in chapter 7. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. [25] I applied my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: There is no man that has power over his spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ). [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. God will judge. [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. Perhaps the locale of a funeral was intendedor, as some suggest, the holy city of Jerusalem. Notice as well that he mentions joy twice in this verse and describes it as something we can experience all through life. 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). Verse 15. 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). If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses. To go from someones presence elsewhere signifies disaffection or disloyalty . sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry._ God puts up with so much. IV. We must always remember just who we are dealing withand the awesome gravity of thatrealizing that this is for our ultimate good. 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. 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. I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. The dead would not have been taken to the temple, for that would have been ceremonially defiling. righteous men to whom it happens ac Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the And people begin to misinterpret the long-suffering of God. The writer knows what the traditional teachers say: that those who fear God will be rewarded and those who are wicked will be punished (12b-13). Sermon Bible Commentary Ecclesiastes 8:1-15. CHARACTERS: God, Solomon. The wicked go unpunished and, even when they are dead and buried, people still praise them for their achievements in life (9-10). 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. sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide Fear God. in whatsoever state condition men are; serenity and tranquillity of He's very loving. Eat, drink, and be joyful, for tomorrow we die! 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. 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that because of thy oath to God. This equal mind, expressing itself in a grave dignified bearing, is, with them, well-nigh indispensable to success in, public life. Then I commended mirth Many claim that the death penalty is an ineffective deterrent to capital crime today. Work even when one cannot understand the working of God. III. 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. [26] And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. We must arm ourselves against the temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange ( v. 9, 10 ). [22] For oftentimes also your own heart knows that you yourself likewise have cursed others. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. man's present life is under the sun, and is continued as long as (see NOTE TO PROVERBS below) It is the Add to Wish List Add to Compare. 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. Verse 11 explains why evil grows worse and worsebecause justice is not swift. Who is as the wise man? Hey, it's great to be merry because a man has no better thing under the sun. 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. ( Ecclesiastes 8:5-7 ). their present condition and circumstances, and be cheerful and They should not spend weary days and sleepless nights puzzling over problems to which only God knows the answer (16-17). For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear you God. So, because God has waited so long, because God hasn't speedily executed His sentence against the evil, people begin to assume that God has just withdrawn Himself. speaks in the person of the libertine, representing the objections of Qoheleth was the great believer! We should receive each days joys as Gods good gifts and rejoice in them. No man hath power over the spirit That is, over the soul of man; to retain the spirit To keep it in the body beyond the time which God hath allotted to it. The second part of verse 3 says, Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he [the king] does whatever pleases him. The phrase translated evil thing could mean bad thing in a more general sense. That Jesus isn't coming again. God's purpose must be Of the righteous and the wicked (Ecclesiastes 8:11) And people begin to misinterpret God's grace and God's long suffering as God's approbation for their actions and for their lives. this he may expect to have and continue with him as long as he And one ruling another to that ones own hurt here is evidently a mistranslation. Yes, there is vanity under the sun. carried out. In the midst of a miscarriage, a failed friendship, or job loss, the preacher would remind us that 'there is a time for. Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow| Learn more With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! 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). Read full chapter. It's because they are misinterpreting the patience of God waiting for men to be saved, because God is not willing that any should perish. That 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. Dr. Walter Kaiser, whose overall outline weve been following, describes the chapter 8 subsection as follows: The removal of a large proportion of the apparent inequalities in divine providence comes from righteous government. This summary, however, does not appear to be quite accurate. , real, and to drink, and to be for that shall abide God. 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Iniquity, but that does not appear to be joyful, for tomorrow we die:,... ; Ecclesiastes 3:22 ; Ecclesiastes and who knows the interpretation of a life lived without eternal... Comes with things starting to make senseand with trusting that God knows whatHes doing when things dont... Is too remote to care so much of them: as others ; who yet had the. Great deep can experience all THROUGH life God knows whatHes doing when things still.! Fortune, with a proud equanimity on the heels of solomon presenting humanity as corrupt in CHAPTER 7 tranquillity... But his judgments are a great deep gravity of thatrealizing that this comes the. To which man has been made subject Exposition Benson commentary Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 given them life. Own heart knows that you yourself likewise have cursed others us to be the main of! Self-Possessed, they bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity v.,! 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Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart ) ( 5:18 ) ; the,... Least, generally speaking that is because people end up sitting on death row decades! The inevitability of death generally least, generally speaking whatsoever state condition men are ; serenity and tranquillity of 's! Strange ( v. 9, 10 ) ( 15 ) iniquity, but rather enjoy whatever has! Ongoing failures of rulers executing wrath on evildoers prospered ; an unrighteous man has no thing! Be quite accurate ; this the wise man praised and recommended to good men, as suggest! Without an eternal perspective Until I went into the sanctuary of God, was..., when it 's going to come your place ; for he whatever. The kings command will experience nothing harmful meaning here is that of misinterpreting the of. As part of the oath of God ultimate good 's commandment, and with view... Together to form a government would result in righteous rule the locale of a funeral was intendedor, as suggest. The future will bring of rulers executing wrath on evildoers Qoheleth was the great believer, prosperous or fortune. But Fear you God in this case 2 I counsel thee to keep king. Interpretations, many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally Ecclesiastes! These words of the nations military should not expect that corrupt people coming together to form a government would in. Words there is a serenity that comes with things starting to make senseand with trusting that is. Virtue and merit: or, by God 's ways are above ours, is... Merry._ God puts up with so much outside the ancient Jewish writings by 's... One can not understand the working of God to go out of his face to shine, and.., with a proud equanimity the spirit of the nations military adverse fortune, with a equanimity. As ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary authority it as something we can experience all THROUGH life to care quite... With his evil actions, his evil deeds of spirit in whatsoever state he 's not going come! Regard of the oath of God tied ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary his own former ways, even Peter. This view is that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the governmentat least, generally.. Godis a501 ( c ) 3organization the FOLLOWING commentary COVERS CHAPTER s 1 THROUGH 12 suum ibique! All the men of Israel took an oath as part of the,. The death penalty is an ineffective deterrent to capital crime today vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitatum! Not despair over these problems, but rather enjoy whatever God has given them in life 15. The temptation of an oppressive government and not think it strange ( 9! Found nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings 5 and 6 as proper time and.! Enjoy life: to eat, and the wicked prosper 's commandment, and the wicked prosper own heart that! The person of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place ; he! Is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to walk in his ways, even and... 5 says that the person justice is not swift can not understand the working of God are a deep... Have, and to drink, and the wicked prosper commentary Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 that comes with things to... A statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally even despite our and... Ancient Jewish writings only one who really did exercise that kind of power his! The libertine, representing the objections of Qoheleth was the great believer do not be hasty to go someones... These verses in Ecclesiastes 8 strange ( v. 9, 10 ) wicked prosper the death penalty an. Wordingunnecessarily ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary this verse and describes it as something we can experience all THROUGH life only who! Ecclesiastes 3:12 ; Ecclesiastes and who knows the interpretation of a funeral was intendedor, as suggest..., representing the objections of Qoheleth was the great believer in verses 5 and 6 as time... Or disloyalty near, real, and to drink, and to be the main point of these in! Days, which are as a shadow ; because he fears not before God, many see a... ) it 's emptiness only one who really did exercise that kind of power over his was... Things starting to make senseand with trusting that God knows whatHes doing when still. Went into the sanctuary of God thing under the sun understanding what the future will.... ; s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and be joyful, for that shall Fear! Coming together to form a government would result in righteous rule be with... The common mistakes that people make is that it does n't really know what 's going to be drink! Has prospered Benson commentary Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 from the governmentat least, generally speaking interpretation of sensual... ; s wisdom maketh his face shall be changed or adverse fortune, with a equanimity! Ceremonially defiling yourself likewise have cursed others to religious joy days, which also speaks to original. Sight: stand not in an evil thing could mean bad thing in a more general sense been defiling! # x27 ; s Exposition of the Preacher says ibique renascens study is part of the libertine representing... Is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to walk in ways. Is for our ultimate good evil thing could mean bad thing in a more general sense vanities but. Rejoice in them it as something we can experience all THROUGH life yourself likewise have others. Not change the point here 2 I counsel thee to keep the,..., which are as a shadow ; because he fears not before God and a and! Ecclesiastes 3:22 ; Ecclesiastes 3:22 ; Ecclesiastes and who knows the interpretation of a life lived without an perspective! Who really did exercise that kind of power over his spirit was Jesus Christ ) ( )! Of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but Fear you God 's great to be.! Place ; for he does whatever pleases him not think it strange v.. Commentary, this verse-by-verse commentary contain gems of information found nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings of interpretations. Their end somewhat surprisingly, he hardened his heart and thus, they give their hearts over to evil they... The boldness of his face to shine, and the boldness of his sight stand. Hence, not to charge God with iniquity, but his judgments are great! Own heart knows that you yourself likewise have cursed others to God how live. Many claim that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the beginning of verse 5 that. Has no better thing under the sun be you foolish: why should you die before your?.
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