Ecclesiastes 5:8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:4-8

Four things we are exhorted to in these verses:? I. To be conscientious in paying our vows. 1. A vow is a bond upon the soul (Num. 30:2), by which we solemnly oblige ourselves, not only, in general, to do that which we are already bound to do, but, in some particular instances, to do that to do which we were not under any antecedent obligation, whether it respects honouring God or serving the interests of his kingdom among men. When, under the sense of some affliction (Ps. 66:14), or in the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:8

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of justice in a province ,.... Which is a very disagreeable sight, but often seen; the poor are oppressed, and judgment and justice perverted, and that in a very violent and flagrant manner, in open courts of judicature, in the several provinces and kingdoms of the world; marvel not at the matter ; as though it was some strange and uncommon thing, when nothing is more common: or "marvel not at the will" or "pleasure" F20 ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 5:8

If thou seest the oppression of the poor - For this was a frequent case under all governments; and especially in the provinces or colonies which being far from the seat of government, were generally oppressed by the sovereign's deputies. Marvel not at the matter - החפץ hachephets , the will, i.e., of God; which permits such evils to take place; for all things shall work together for good to them that love him. "Marvel not Ye righteous, if his dispensations here Unequal seem.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:8

If thou seest the oppression of the poor . From errors in the service of God, it is natural to turn to faults in the administration of the king ( Proverbs 24:21 ). Koheleth has already alluded to these anomalies in Ecclesiastes 3:16 and Ecclesiastes 4:1 . Violent perverting ; literally, robbery ; so that judgment is never rightly given, and justice is withheld from applicants. In a province ( me dinah , Ecclesiastes 2:8 ); the district in which the person addressed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:8-9

In political life there is little that is satisfactory; yet one must not surrender one's belief in a superintending Providence. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:8-17

Section 7. Perils to which one is exposed in a despotic state, and the unprofitableness of riches. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 5:8

Matter - Rather, purpose (as in the margin, and Ecclesiastes 3:1), referring either to the will of God or to the edict of an oppressive ruler.For he ... they - literally, for high watches over high and the highest over them, i. e., the king in the capital watches over the judge or governor in the province, and God over both. This seems more in harmony with the preceding verses, and more agreeable to the scope of this passage than to understand the passage only of earthly rulers. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 5:8

Ecclesiastes 5:8. If thou seest the oppression: &c. Here is an account of another vanity, and a sovereign antidote against it. Marvel not As if it were inconsistent with God’s wisdom and justice to suffer such disorders. For he that is higher than the highest The most high God, who is infinitely above the greatest of men. Regardeth Not like an idle spectator, but a judge, who diligently observes, and will effectually punish them. And there be higher than they Namely, God; it... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

Advice about money (5:8-6:12)Greed for money is a common social evil and the cause of much suffering. Because of such greed, government officials exploit poor farmers. Each official makes sure he takes as much money as he can, so that after he has passed some of it on to those above him who protect him, he has enough left for himself. As for the farmers, besides losing their profits to corrupt officials, they must also give some of their harvest as a tax to the king (8-9).Prosperity does not... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 5:8

poor = needy, in want. Hebrew. rush, as in Ecclesiastes 4:14 . province. See note on Ecclesiastes 2:8 , and App-76 . matter. Hebrew purpose or desire, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the effect of it. Hebrew. hephez, one of the words supposed to be later Hebrew. See note on Ecclesiastes 3:1 , and App-76 . He That is higher, &c. = the high One above the high one regardeth, even the Most High is over them. read more

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