Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
The effect of rash vows 5:1-7An interlude of proverbs follows the personal section just concluded."The sacrifice of fools" in view (Ecclesiastes 5:1) is a rash vow, as is clear from what follows. Ecclesiastes 5:3 seems to compare the verbosity of a fool in making a rash vow to God and the endless dreams one often experiences after a very busy day. Much work generates many dreams, and a fool utters too many words. [Note: Kaiser, Ecclesiastes . . ., p. 75.] If a person makes a rash promise to God... read more
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 5:6
6. thy flesh—Vow not with "thy mouth" a vow (for example, fasting), which the lusts of the flesh ("body," Ecclesiastes 2:3, Margin) may tempt thee to break (Ecclesiastes 2:3- :). angel—the "messenger" of God (Job 33:23); minister (Revelation 1:20); that is, the priest (Malachi 2:7) "before" whom a breach of a vow was to be confessed (Leviticus 5:4; Leviticus 5:5). We, Christians, in our vows (for example, at baptism, the Lord's Supper, c.) vow in the presence of Jesus Christ, "the angel of the... read more