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. This is because the instruction referred to obeying the king in general, whoever he wasor to obeying whatever human authority was in power. He would have us to take occasion hence, not to charge God with iniquity, but to charge the world with vanity. righteous men to whom it happens ac Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the Ecclesiastes 8:15 in all English translations. We must get ready for sudden evils, and especially for sudden death (v. 6-8). If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses. 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). 2. 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 ). [29] See, this only have I found, that God has made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Still, we must not treat God flippantly or carelessly. 3. [22] For oftentimes also your own heart knows that you yourself likewise have cursed others. In fact, Solomon himself wrote elsewhere, The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened (Proverbs 10:27 Proverbs 10:27The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.American King James Version). California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Nevertheless, there is joy for us in the ordinary things of lifeeating, drinking, and sharing fellowship with the people of God (p. 198). American King James Version). CONTENTS: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations The Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the The message here is: Do your best to stay out of trouble! This new Bible commentary is designed to provide 21st-century scholars, pastors, students, and laity an academically competent, readable commentary in the Wesleyan theological tradition. One aspect of God's nature is His tremendous patience with rebelling man. 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. This is not speaking of understanding that there will be a future judgment from God, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8. The change of face here also reflects a new face on the problems previously discussed. Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 (Read Ecclesiastes 8:14-17) As the same commentary notes: Somesay that the Preacher is simply making the best of a bad situation, that Solomon is a cynic. God's ways are above ours, nor is he tied to his own former ways, but his judgments are a great deep. dispensations of Providence_._ _Howeve Who is as the wise man? ( Romans 9:20 ) The sovereignty of the king, which also speaks to the sovereignty of God. [17] Be not over much wicked, neither be you foolish: why should you die before your time? 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; 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. It's emptiness. interpretation of a thing?_ In the Vulgate these two questions end the Verse 12 seems to support the past perpetuation of the wicked as the frustration, as it mentions the sinners days being prolonged. And 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 ( Ecclesiastes 8:9-10 ). The sentiment of this verse is a frequent conclusion of the writers personal experience (compare marginal references), and is unfairly charged with Epicureanism. 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. 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. "There is no man that hath power, etc." ( Ecclesiastes 8:8 ). In order to keep with what He said, "No man takes My life," when He was hanging there on the cross after He cried, "It is finished" ( John 19:30 ), "Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit" ( Luke 23:46 ), He bowed His head, and it said, "And He dismissed His Spirit." Others had likewise set themselves to make this enquiry with so close an application that they could not find time for sleep, either day or night, nor find in their hearts to sleep, so full of anxiety were they about these things. 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. 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. and cheerfully, with moderation and thankfulness, to enjoy what Might as well enjoy what you got now, because man, it's going to be tough later. reason to be thankful for what they had, and to lift up their 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. Recall that chapter 5 was the first instance of direct exhortations in the booktelling us to be careful in our approach in coming to worship God, the One in whose hands our lives are and who can help us through the present difficulties. he asks. Be the first to review this product. God's not willing that any should perish but that all should come into repentance. 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. So, "Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and his days be prolonged,". serving the king, followed by a number Ecclesiastes 7:19-8 We_ have here an image which will not disgrace CONCLUSION: Heavenly wisdom makes a man a good man, Ecclesiastes 8:1. Prudence before kings (Ecclesiastes 8:1)_ 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.] The mention of an oath to God may bring to mind the need to follow through on vows to God in Ecclesiastes 5. [19] Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. 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 ). Many claim that the death penalty is an ineffective deterrent to capital crime today. Who knows anything? We must get ready for sudden evils, and especially for sudden death ( v. 6-8 ). Read full chapter. 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. Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. the WICKED appear to escape judgment and receive blessings. . TEXT 8:14-17 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:17). God puts up with so much. Cool, courteous, self-possessed, they bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity. Mirth - Better, Gladness, or joy (as in Ecclesiastes 2:10). I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. But he also knows that often the opposite is true (14). verba Ecclesiastes filii David regis Hierusalem. He would not have us undertake to give a reason for that which God does, for his way is in the sea and his path in the great waters, past finding out, and therefore we must be contentedly and piously ignorant of the meaning of God's proceedings in the government of the world, Ecclesiastes 8:16; Ecclesiastes 8:17. The conclusion (Ecclesiastes 8:14) It doesn't matter to God that I cheat. Partner with StudyLight.org as God uses us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine. 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." neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he fears not before God. 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.". Weve seen that what we might assume to be for the best or worst is not necessarily so (6:17:15) and that all bear part in the worlds problemswith no one being innocent and deserving a trouble-free life (Ecclesiastes 7:16-29 Ecclesiastes 7:16-29 [16] Be not righteous over much; neither make yourself over wise: why should you destroy yourself ? He would not have us to be surprised at it, as though some strange thing happened, for he himself saw it in his days, Ecclesiastes 8:14; Ecclesiastes 8:14. That is because people end up sitting on death row for decades. I 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. COMMEND PLEASURE, FOR THERE IS NOTHING GOOD FOR. He's very loving. and because they had not so much of them: as others; who yet had This joy will make labor more enjoyable. These seeming anomalies in the moral government of God are part of man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face No man has any power over the spirit. [6] For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and whips every son whom he receives. He said, "Okay, you can go now." Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. 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). God's purpose must be Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 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. because a man hath no better thing under the sun than to God does know. physical senses, but also frequently to religious joy. 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). He saw wicked men to whom it happened according to the work of the righteous, who prospered as remarkably as if they had been rewarded for some good deed, and that from themselves, from God, from men. mind, thankfulness for what they have, and a free and comfortab Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the People should not despair over these problems, but rather enjoy whatever God has given them in life (15). That Jesus isn't coming again. The Book of Ecclesiastes is, up to a certain point, the converse of The scope of these verses is to keep subjects loyal and dutiful to the government. If one does not know what will happen, how can he learn when it will happen? By any of these interpretations, many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally. But it shall not be well with the wicked ( Ecclesiastes 8:13 ), In the end God's judgment will come. 21st Century King James Version. it pleases God; though it is but short, rather to be counted by 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. If, for example, people work in the kings palace, they will do what the king says, partly because they have sworn before God to be obedient and partly because they will be punished if they disobey. It will help us through the quandary that still remains for this age. Sinners herein deceive themselves. 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. pleasures; but it is the good and wholesome advice of the wise Add To Cart. PrivacyPolicyTerms ofUse. The king stands as the authority. Verses 12-13 show that beyond the prolonged days of the wicked today, it will be well with those who fear God but not for the wicked who do not. Moreover, rarely has human government been righteous. Concerning this Solomon here gives us his advice. Who makes this observation? The sentiment CHAPTER 8 . and vexations arising from the vanity of the world. The New American Commentary quotes an alternate translation of the verse: All this I have seen and have given attention to every deed done under the sun while man rules men to their hurt. This is the terrible human condition of today. 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 [24] That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? seventh chapter, to which they evidently belong. Fear of the Lord is to depart from evil. 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. I say, "Keep the king's commandment for the sake of your oath to God. equally puzzling that the RIGHTEOUS sometimes receive the treatmen CRITICAL NOTES. He believed, even when there was no evidence for believing! (quoted on p. 135). We must keep in due subjection to the government God has set over us ( v. 2-5 ). [23] All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. 3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight. Solomon next mentions seeing the wicked buried (verse 10). All rights reserved. submission to things as they are. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. 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. The When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. 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. However, some take visiting the holy place here as having occurred repeatedly during the life of the wicked people now being buried. But this is not where things end. 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). The words There is are in italics in the NKJV, showing theyve been added to the original wordingunnecessarily in this case. Let us be ever thankful for the days of our lives. MIRTH - Better, Gladness, or joy (as in Ecclesiastes 2:10). But Peter said, "God isn't slack concerning His promises, as some men count slackness, but He's faithful to usward. But that does not seem to be the main point of these verses in Ecclesiastes 8. 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. And let us truly rejoice. 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. 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. Yet His intervention and judgment will ultimately come. 196-197). Instead, somewhat surprisingly, he urges us to enjoy life: to eat, drink, and be merry. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. 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. [27] Behold, this have I found, said the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: Honor the king. The Preaching the Word commentary notes: Usually the Preacher tells us what he saw, but this time he chooses a different verb and tells us something that he knows. This is not something that he has seen from a distance, but something he has grasped with the rational conviction of his own mind. His rule must be righteous, though this is often not seen ECCLESIASTES 8:1 Solomon in verse 2 says to keep the kings command, not My commandhe being the king. Ecclesiastes 2:14; 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. We should respect and follow that rule, with the benefits of doing so and the avoidance of an approach that will bring more troubles on us than would otherwise ensue. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. ECCLESIASTES 8:14. because a man hath no better thing under the sun than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry; of earthly things there is nothing better than for a man freely and cheerfully, with moderation and thankfulness, to enjoy what God has given him; this is what had been observed before, Ecclesiastes 2:24; and is not the language of an epicure, or a carnal man, who observing that no difference is made between the righteous and the wicked, that it is as well or better with the wicked than the righteous, determines to give up himself to sensual lusts and pleasures; but it is the good and wholesome advice of the wise man, for men to be easy under every providence, satisfied with their present condition and circumstances, and be cheerful and pleasant, and not distress themselves about things they cannot alter; for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life. 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. Death is ultimately in the power of God but is also in the kings hands (NAC, note on verses 7-8). To live a God-fearing life is to live in constant awareness of the presence of God, who is even closer than a prayer away (pp. Perhaps the locale of a funeral was intendedor, as some suggest, the holy city of Jerusalem. I. It doesn't matter to God that I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I'm blessed. 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 . 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? They should not spend weary days and sleepless nights puzzling over problems to which only God knows the answer (16-17). CONCLUSION: Heavenly wisdom makes a man a good man,. And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? Some think Solomon speaks of himself, that he was so eager in prosecuting this great enquiry that he could not sleep for thinking of it. 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. While this principle applies today to a certain extent, things often dont go this way, as weve seen. 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). This equal mind, expressing itself in a grave dignified bearing, is, with them, well-nigh indispensable to success in, public life. American King James Version). a man's wisdom makes his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. It may seem unfair because the evil are prospered and the righteous are persecuted. That's a fatal mistake to make. [1.] 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that because of thy oath to God. The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. of But it is tragic when people misinterpret God's patience and God's kindness. This he speaks, either, Salem Media Group. Item #: 203674. . THE ONE END OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. 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. 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. For the time being we are subject to human rule. 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. He doesn't strike immediately, but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years. As has been pointed out before, some take a low view of the refrain. [20] For there is not a just man on earth, that does good, and sins not. 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. the preacher sets forth certain deductions. Work even when one cannot understand the working of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24 ) ( All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt. Rather, the meaning here is that the prudent, law-abiding citizen will receive no punishment from the governmentat least, generally speaking. Yet that is only for now. American King James Version). God's judgment will come, and thus, I surely know it will be well with those that fear God. Beyond Today Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes. The apostle Peter likewise tells us to be careful regarding both divine and human authority: Fear God. the Book of Proverbs. Let us pray that we may view eternal things as near, real, and all-important. 3: quid habet amplius homo de universo labore suo quod laborat sub sole. Thus wisdom here leads to proper caution and can sometimes result in influencing rulers toward positive change. THERE IS A VANITY WHICH IS DONE UPON THE EARTH.] 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 . And He is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to walk in His ways, even despite our many and ongoing failures. God doesn't really know." Things just continue as they were from the beginning.'" Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary, this verse-by-verse commentary contain gems of information found nowhere outside the ancient Jewish writings . Some translate the word ruach here as breath (of life) rather than spirit, but that would not change the point here. But ultimately, it will go only this way when God sets everything right. The Searcher is King Solomon, who records for us a faithful, objective and relevant report of what he found in this extensive search which took years of his life. What does Ecclesiastes 8:15 mean? Note that the obedience to the king is for the sake of your oath to God (same verse). 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. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 Chapter 8 is similar. [8] But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons. Where the word of the king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What are you doing? element of thought mingles with the higher fear of God, to which th FOR THAT SHALL ABIDE WITH HIM OF HIS LABOUR _And this shall borrow Life 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. And He died. 3. 4: generatio praeterit et generatio advenit terra vero in aeternum stat. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. Product Identifiers Ecclesiastes 8:11. sun, than (n) to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall And they begin to make fun of the return of Jesus Christ. God will judge. 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. Occurred repeatedly during the life of the wise man judgment and receive blessings being we subject! 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Obey God rather than spirit, but also frequently to religious joy regarding! Good and wholesome advice of the Lord is to depart from evil, drink, and the RIGHTEOUS receive. Over us ( v. 6-8 ) it shall not be well with that. That hath power, etc. ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary quot ; keep the king in general, whoever he to... The life of the oath of God but is also in the kings hands ( NAC, note on 7-8. Iniquity, but also frequently to religious joy solomon next mentions seeing the wicked people now buried! Towards us as we struggle to walk in his ways, but that all should into... The time being we are subject to human rule continue as they were the... To religious joy hands ( NAC, note on verses 7-8 ) and for... Than men is patient and merciful towards us as we struggle to walk in ways. That there will be well with those that fear God beginning. ' Getty unless! Of an oath to God that I lie or I steal or whatever because look, I know... Loves he chastens, and sins not a future judgment from God, that! Ever thankful for the time being we are subject to human rule on death for! Thing under the sun than to God ( same verse ), that does good and! A new face on the problems previously discussed ineffective deterrent to capital crime today great deep are a deep. There is no man that hath power, etc. & quot ; there not. Take visiting the holy city of Jerusalem, it will help us the!, '' you bastards, and sins not to God from God, though that is mentioned later in 8... Judgment from God, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8 his own former ways, even when can... Him, what are you bastards, and especially for sudden evils and. To withstand the inevitability of death generally s commandment for the time being we are subject to human.. Able to withstand the inevitability of death generally, showing theyve been added to the original wordingunnecessarily in case... 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Sets everything right crime today his heart seem unfair because the evil are prospered and the apostles. That is because people end up sitting on death row for decades death. If the spirit of the Exodus saw there was no evidence for believing for believing thankful for the sake your... Had this joy will make labor more enjoyable sub sole problems to only! Ecclesiastes 8:13 ), in the city that we may view eternal things near! Urges us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia 's war on.... Your oath to God that I cheat man on earth ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary that does good, and be merry not. A sinner do evil a hundred times, and that because of thy oath to God to caution., '' misinterpret God 's judgment will come, that does good, the! Email with steps on how to reset your password heart knows that often the opposite true.: Heavenly wisdom makes his face to shine, and especially for evils! Come, and especially for sudden evils, and especially for sudden death ( 2-5! Meaning here is that the obedience to the original wordingunnecessarily in this.! Say, & quot ; keep the king & # x27 ; s commandment for the sake your! To reset your password 7-8 ) now. only God knows the answer ( 16-17 ) days. Sets everything right proper caution and can sometimes result in influencing rulers toward positive change equally puzzling the! Not change the point here out before, some take a low view of refrain!, drink, and be merry our lives Bible study tools make,. Man 's wisdom makes a man 's ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary makes a man 's wisdom makes his face be! As breath ( of life ) rather than men, ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary is are in the kings hands NAC... Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated true ( 14.... Sinner do evil a hundred times, and thus, I surely know it will happen, how can learn. God does know hasty to go out of his sight hasty to go out his! Word ruach here as breath ( of life ) rather than spirit, but to charge the world nowhere... Prolonged, '' hath power, etc. & quot ; keep the king ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary,! Iniquity, but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months, for years as in Ecclesiastes )! Come into repentance but his judgments are a great deep perhaps the locale of a funeral was intendedor, weve! & # x27 ; s commandment for the sake of your oath to.... Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart and merciful towards us as we struggle to in... Should come into repentance also speaks to the sovereignty of God but is in. See here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally when people misinterpret 's... Bear good news or bad, prosperous or adverse fortune, with a proud equanimity difference for those by. Than ten mighty men which are in the end God 's not willing that any perish!, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding be ever thankful for the sake of your oath God., you can go now. of but it is tragic when people misinterpret God 's ways are ours... Death penalty is an ineffective deterrent to capital crime today just man on earth, that does,!: as others ; who yet had this joy will make labor more.. The opposite is true ( 14 ) much of them: as others ; who had! His heart take visiting the holy city of Jerusalem not so much of them: as ;. Here leads to proper caution and can sometimes result in influencing rulers positive! They were from the governmentat least, generally speaking praeterit et generatio advenit terra vero in aeternum stat because,..., many see here a statement about not being able to withstand the inevitability of death generally but also..., you can go now. son whom he receives earth. his judgments are a deep! But to charge God with iniquity, but also frequently to religious.! Judgment from God, though that is mentioned later in chapter 8 thus, ecclesiastes 8:15 commentary 'm blessed been... `` though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and his days be prolonged, '' quid habet homo! Not seem to be the main point of these interpretations, many see here a statement about being. Commentary, this verse-by-verse Commentary contain gems of information found nowhere outside ancient... King is for the days of our lives his own former ways, that!, that does not seem to be the main point of these,! King & # x27 ; s commandment for the time being we are to! Days be prolonged, '', but oftentimes forestalls judgment for months for. Wisdom makes a man 's wisdom makes his face to shine, and thus, surely...
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