The Biblical Illustrator - Ecclesiastes 12:5
Ecclesiastes 12:5The almond-tree shall flourish.The almond-tree in blossomIn January, Palestine is adorned with the blossoming of the almond-tree. It breathes its life into that winter month as a promise of God sometimes lightens up and sweetens the coldness and desolation of a sorrowing spirit. When the almond-tree was in full bloom, it must have looked like some tree before our window on a winter’s morning, after a nightfall of snow, when its brightness is almost insufferable, every stem a... read more
The Biblical Illustrator - Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
Ecclesiastes 12:1-7Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.The Creator rememberedHow shall we understand this? Is it an allegory describing the weakening of the body? Is it a description of the Jews in captivity? Is it a dirge from some old book of hymns? The best explanation seems this: first, the Preacher describes old age as a stormy day; secondly, the figure changes to that of a palace going to ruin; then there is a reference to “the seven evil days” of spring in the Orient, which... read more