Ecclesiastes 1:16-2:26 NIV

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:12-17

A. Personal Observations 1:12-2:17There are four parts to this section that fall into two pairs. Solomon first related his investigations (in Ecclesiastes 1:12-15 and Ecclesiastes 2:1-11), and then gave his evaluations of each of these experiments (in Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 and Ecclesiastes 2:12-17). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:16-18

2. Solomon’s evaluation of his investigation of human achievement 1:16-18To conduct his investigation of human achievements, Solomon had employed the tool of wisdom. Wisdom here does not refer to living life with God in view. It means using human intelligence as an instrument to ferret out truth and significance. However, he discovered it inadequate to turn up any truly meaningful activity. Consequently, wisdom was in this respect no better than "madness and folly" (Ecclesiastes 1:17; i.e.,... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

All is Vanity1-11. The writer describes himself. He declares that all things are transitory and without result, whether they be the works or the life of man, or the natural forces of heat, air, and water. Language cannot do justice to nature’s wearisome sameness. The oblivion which overtakes all.1. Preacher] see Intro. §§ 1, 2.2. Vanity of vanities] lit.’breath of breaths’; the form of expression being a Hebrew way of indicating the superlative degree. Of all fleeting things existence is the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ecclesiastes 1:16

(16) Wisdom and knowledge.—Isaiah 30:6; Romans 11:33. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

The Verdict of Life Ecclesiastes 1:2 The verdict of this book seems to be no hasty verdict, but a settled, deliberate conclusion. It is not due to a temporary fit of depression, or some passing adverse circumstance, but it seems the result of experience arrived at after mature thought. And there are plenty Today who have arrived at the same conclusion. All is vanity. Life is hard and cruel and disappointing, and not worth the living. They tell you it is a weary struggle in which most fail.... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

FIRST SECTIONThe Quest Of The Chief Good In Wisdom And In PleasureEcclesiastes 1:12-18; Ecclesiastes 2:1-26OPPRESSED by his profound sense of the vanity of the life which man lives amid the play of permanent natural forces, Coheleth sets out on the search for that true and supreme Good which it will be well for the sons of men to pursue through their brief day; the good which will sustain them under all their toils, and be "a portion" so large, and enduring as to satisfy even their vast... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Analysis and Annotations PART I. CHAPTERS 1-6 1. The Prologue and the Search Begun CHAPTER 1 1. The introduction and prologue (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 ) 2. The seeker; his method and the results (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 ) Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 . In the general introduction we have already referred to the opening verses as giving the information who the author is and what is the object of his treatise. So sure is the critical school that Solomon is not the king mentioned that one says “the fact... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

THE PROLOGUE (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 ) These verses show the general result of the whole search for good on earth, the record of which is to follow (Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 ); a symbolic illustration from nature of the monotony of human existence (Ecclesiastes 1:4-7 ); and a plain statement of the facts in the case (Ecclesiastes 1:8-11 ). THE INTRODUCTION (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 ) These verses describe the seeker (Ecclesiastes 1:12 ); his method of search (Ecclesiastes 1:13 ), and the result in... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Ecclesiastes 1:0 Or, the words of the great Orator, or Convener one who calls an assembly together. This Preacher was the son of David a man, therefore, with a great hereditary claim to attention; probably there will be music in his speech and pathos; he may have succeeded to his father's harp as well as to his father's throne. It is not often in the Bible that we are challenged to hear the words of a great man, viewed from an earthly standpoint. We are called upon to listen to prophets without... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. (13) And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. (14) I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. (15) That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. (16) I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am... read more