The value of Wisdom 8:1-9In Solomon’s day, the king had far-reaching power over his subjects. Therefore it became imperative to avoid his wrath. We must keep this background in view because it lies behind what Solomon said in chapter 8. read more
B. God’s Inscrutable Plan chs. 7-8Solomon proceeded in this section to focus on the comprehensive plan of God: His decree. His point was that we cannot fathom it completely. read more
The wise man behaves appropriately in the presence of his king. He keeps his oath of allegiance that he has made before God (Ecclesiastes 8:2). He does not resign from his service (Ecclesiastes 8:3 a) or join in a revolt against the king (Ecclesiastes 8:3 b). Furthermore, he does not dispute the king’s authority and sovereignty (Ecclesiastes 8:4). read more
Kings’Courts Need Wary Walking1-17. Be discreet in relation with a ruler. God’s purpose must be carried out. His rule must be righteous, though this is often not seen in actual life. God’s ways are just, and past finding out.The writer now enters on a subject which it would not have been wise to treat too plainly, viz. the need of showing tact in dealing with the arbitrary power of an absolute monarch. No part of the book is more decidedly at variance with the Solomonic authorship than this... read more
(2) The unconnected “I” with which this verse begins, indicates that some word has early dropped out of the text. The italics with which our translators fill the gap no doubt give the right sense. It may be mentioned that Ecclesiastes is characterised by a superfluous use of the pronoun “I” after the verb, just as if in Latin we constantly had, instead of “dixi,” “dixi ego.” The counsels given here and Ecclesiastes 10:4 are not what we should expect from Solomon, but rather from one who had... read more
Ecclesiastes 8:8 Compare Ruskin's Time and Tide (Letter xxiv.) for an application of the words, There is no discharge in that war; also Kipling's The Five Nations, pp. 185 f. References. VIII. 8. S. H. Tying, American Pulpit of Today, vol. i. p. 623. VIII. 10. Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. iv. No. 200. Ecclesiastes 8:11 . Cf. Ecclesiastes 7:7 , etc. Swift once asked Delany whether the 'corruptions and villanies of men in power did not eat his flesh and exhaust his spirits?' 'No,' said Delany.... read more
THIRD SECTIONThe Quest Of The Chief Good In Wealth, And In The Golden Mean Ecclesiastes 6:1-12; Ecclesiastes 7:1-29, and Ecclesiastes 8:1-15IN the foregoing Section Coheleth has shown that the Chief Good is not to be found in that Devotion to the affairs of Business which was, and still is, characteristic of the Hebrew race. This devotion is commonly inspired either by the desire to amass great wealth, for the sake of the status, influence, and means of lavish enjoyment it is assumed to confer;... read more
; Ecclesiastes 8:1-17The Quest in the Golden Mean.Ecclesiastes 7:1-29; Ecclesiastes 8:1-15There be many that say, "Who will show us any gold?" mistaking gold for their god or good. For though there can be few in any age to whom great wealth is possible, there are many who crave it and believe that to have it is to possess the supreme felicity. It is not only the rich who "trust in riches." As a rule, perhaps, they trust in them less than the poor, since they have tried them, and know pretty... read more
CHAPTER 8 1. Prudence before kings (Ecclesiastes 8:1-10 ) 2. Of the righteous and the wicked (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 ) 3. The conclusion (Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 ) Ecclesiastes 8:1-10 . What else had he seen? What were his further discoveries? He is still ardent in praising wisdom, though he had confessed “that it was far from him.” Wisdom makes the face to shine and the boldness of the face becomes changed. He cautions as to the governmental powers in the world, urges prudence and... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:2
2. the king's—Jehovah, peculiarly the king of Israel in the theocracy; Ecclesiastes 8:3; Ecclesiastes 8:4, prove it is not the earthly king who is meant. the oath of God—the covenant which God made with Abraham and renewed with David; Solomon remembered Psalms 89:35, "I have sworn," c. (Psalms 89:35- :), and the penalties if David's children should forsake it (Psalms 89:30-32) inflicted on Solomon himself; yet God not "utterly" forsaking him (Psalms 89:33; Psalms 89:34). read more