Ecclesiastes 2:8 . I gathered me silver and gold Vast riches; and the peculiar treasure of kings Riches, answerable to the state of a king, or, he means, the greatest jewels and rarities of other kings, which they gave to me, either as a tribute, or by way of present; and of the provinces Which were imposed upon or presented by all the provinces of my dominions. read more
Lessons from experience (1:12-2:26)Writing as Solomon, the author now looks back and describes the experiences of a truly wise and wealthy man who searched for a meaning to life. First he tried the study of wisdom, but it led only to misery and frustration. Some things could not be made to fit any sort of consistent pattern; others, which in theory may have solved some problems, in practice did not exist (12-15). His learning and experience enabled him to tell the difference between wisdom and... read more
got me servants = bought me servants. Hebrew bondage has nothing in common with Greek, Roman, or African slavery. There is no word for such slavery in Hebrew; 'ebed = labourer, is the name of all Jehovah's servants. read more
gathered = amassed. Hebrew. kanas, said to be a later Hebrew word (see App-76 .) the provinces. Hebrew. medinah, from dun = to rule, hence a country. There is no article before "kings", because they constantly change, whereas countries do not change. This is another word which is said to be of later date, but it is found in 1 Kings 20:14 , 1 Kings 20:15 , 1Ki 20:17 , 1 Kings 20:19 . Lamentations 1:1 .Ezekiel 19:8 . See App-76 . Compare note on "event" in Ecclesiastes 2:14 . remained. The... read more
Ecclesiastes 2:8. As musical instruments, &c.— A captive woman, nay, several captive women. It is doubted, whether the Hebrew words, rendered by us musical instruments, &c. signify things or persons. Mr. Desvoeux is of opinion that they signify persons. Any one, says he, who will read the original with attention, may easily perceive that this catalogue of Solomon's acquisitions from Ecc 2:4-8 is divided into several members by as many verbs; each of which has one or more substantives... read more
7. born in my house—These were esteemed more trustworthy servants than those bought (Genesis 14:14; Genesis 15:2; Genesis 15:3; Genesis 17:12; Genesis 17:13; Genesis 17:27; Jeremiah 2:14), called "songs of one's handmaid" (Jeremiah 2:14- :; compare Genesis 12:16; Job 1:3). read more
8. (1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 2 Chronicles 9:20). peculiar treasure of kings and . . . provinces—contributed by them, as tributary to him (1 Kings 4:21; 1 Kings 4:24); a poor substitute for the wisdom whose "gain is better than fine gold" (Proverbs 3:14; Proverbs 3:15). singers—so David (Proverbs 3:15- :). musical instruments . . . of all sorts—introduced at banquets (Isaiah 5:12; Amos 6:5; Amos 6:6); rather, "a princess and princesses," from an Arabic root. One regular wife, or queen... read more
3. Solomon’s investigation of pleasure 2:1-11"After having proved that secular wisdom has no superiority to folly in bringing true happiness to man, he [the writer] seeks his happiness in a different way, and gives himself up to cheerful enjoyment." [Note: Delitzsch, p. 232.] "Solomon . . . decided to test his own heart to see how he would respond to two very common experiences of life: enjoyment (1-3) and employment (4-11)." [Note: Wiersbe, p. 487.] read more
"A sensible use of money may be a form of creativity; so Solomon expressed himself in extensive buildings and the planting of vineyards, fruit trees, and gardens (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6). [Note: J. S. Wright, p. 1156. Cf. 1 Kings 9:19.] Some of this experimentation involved sin (Ecclesiastes 2:8; cf. Numbers 15:39; Psalms 131:1). Solomon did not say he experienced no pleasure; he did. Nevertheless, his final evaluation was that pleasure does not yield long-term profit, i.e., real significance in... read more
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Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 2:4-7
Ecclesiastes 2:4-7. I made me great works Magnificent works, for my honour and delight. I builded me houses Of which see 1 Kings 7:1, &c.; 9:15, &c.; Song of Solomon 8:11. I made me gardens Hebrew, paradises, or gardens of pleasure; I planted trees, &c. Mixing pleasure and profit together. I made me pools of water Because the rain there fell but seldom; to water therewith the wood The nurseries of young trees, which, for the multitude of them, were like a wood or... read more