12. his time—namely, of death (Ecclesiastes 7:15; Isaiah 13:22). Hence the danger of delay in doing the work of God, as one knows not when his opportunity will end (Isaiah 13:22- :). evil net—fatal to them. The unexpected suddenness of the capture is the point of comparison. So the second coming of Jesus Christ, "as a snare" (Isaiah 13:22- :). evil time—as an "evil net," fatal to them. read more
Wisdom does not guarantee a good job or a prosperous future. Likewise, sometimes the fastest runner does not win a foot race and the stronger army does not win a battle. Usually the best succeed, but not always. The reason for this is that everyone is subject to misfortune that we cannot anticipate or control (Ecclesiastes 9:12). read more
Live Worthily While You May1-3. The future is in God’s hands. Good and bad alike must die.1. Considered in] RV ’laid to.’ Declare] RV ’explore.’ No man.. before them] RV ’whether it be love or hatred, man knoweth it not; all is before them.’ Whether God’s dealings with them shall be such as to suggest His favour or displeasure is unknown, because the part of life not yet traversed cannot be penetrated. 2. There seems no discrimination in the lot of men.4. A living dog] Life has at any rate one... read more
(12) Proverbs 7:23; Ezekiel 12:13; Hosea 7:12. read more
Ecclesiastes 9:2 It is verbally true, that in the sacred Scriptures it is written: As is the good, so is the sinner, and he that sweareth as he that feareth an oath. A man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, drink, and be merry, etc. But he who should repeat these words, and this assurance, to an ignorant man in the hour of his temptation, lingering at the door of an ale-house, or hesitating as to the testimony required of him in the court of justice, would, spite of this verbal... read more
7FOURTH SECTIONThe Quest Achieved. The Chief Good Is To Be Found, Not In Wisdom, Nor In Pleasure, Nor In Devotion To Affairs And Its Rewards;But In A Wise Use And A Wise Enjoyment Of The Present Life, Combined With A Steadfast Faith In The Life To Come Ecclesiastes 8:16 - Ecclesiastes 12:7AT last we approach the end of our Quest. The Preacher has found the Chief Good, and will show us where to find it. But are we even yet prepared to welcome it and to lay hold of it? Apparently he thinks we are... read more
Nor in Pleasure:Ecclesiastes 9:7-12Imagine, then, a Jew brought to the bitter pass which Coheleth has described. He has acquainted himself with wisdom, native and foreign; and wisdom has led him to conclusions of virtue. Nor is he of those who love virtue as they love music-without practicing it. Believing that a righteous and religious carriage of himself will ensure happiness and equip him to encounter the problems of life, he has striven to be good and pure, to offer his sacrifices and pay... read more
CHAPTER 9 1. The common fate (Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 ) 2. Make the best of life (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 ) 3. The great uncertainty (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 ) Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 . Here is another conclusion. The righteous and the wise with their works are in the hands of God. One event is in store for all, for the righteous, the wicked, the good, the clean, the unclean, the one who sacrificeth and the one who sacrificeth not--the grave is the one common goal. In that goal there is the end of all... read more
9:12 For man also knoweth not his {g} time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.(g) That is, he does not foresee what will come. read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ecclesiastes 9:12
Ecclesiastes 9:12. When it falleth suddenly upon them— By sudden accidents. The third proof, in support of the third proposition, is taken from those wrong judgments which are known to be such only by the event; but which must have appeared very probable before. These are brought under two heads. I. In Ecc 9:11-12 it is highly probable that the end will be attained by using such means as are the best adapted to it. Yet experience testifies that this is not always the case: success generally... read more