Ecclesiastes 8:2-3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:1-5

Here is, I. An encomium of wisdom (Eccl. 8:1), that is, of true piety, guided in all its exercises by prudence and discretion. The wise man is the good man, that knows God and glorifies him, knows himself and does well for himself; his wisdom is a great happiness to him, for, 1. It advances him above his neighbours, and makes him more excellent than they: Who is as the wise man? Note, Heavenly wisdom will make a man an incomparable man. No man without grace, though he be learned, or noble, or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:2

I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment ,.... Or, "to observe the mouth of the king" F23 פי מלך שמר "os regis observes", Tigurine version, Pagninus, Mercerus; "observa", Montanus, Vatablus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Gejerus, Rambachius. ; what he says, and do according to it when it is agreeably to the law of God, and according to the laws of the kingdom, by which he is to govern; for kings are to be honoured, obeyed, and submitted to, in the lawful... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:3

Be not hasty to go out of his sight ,.... But of the sight of the King of kings. Do not think to hide thyself from him, for there is no fleeing from his presence, Psalm 139:7 ; it is best, when under some consternation, as the word F25 אל תבהל "ne consterneris", Gejerus, and some in Rambachius. signifies, or under some fearful apprehension of his wrath and indignation, to fall down before him, acknowledge the offence, and pray for pardon: and to this purpose is the Targum, "and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:2

To keep the king's commandment - This sentence would be better translated, I keep the mouth of the king; I take good heed not to meddle with state secrets; and if I know, to hide them. Or, I am obedient to the commands of the laws; I feel myself bound by whatever the king has decreed. In regard of the oath of God - You have sworn obedience to him; keep your oath, for the engagement was made in the presence of God. It appears that the Jewish princes and chiefs took an oath of fidelity to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:3

Be not hasty - I consider the first five verses here as directions to courtiers, and the more immediate servants of kings. Be steadily faithful to your sovereign. Do not stand in an evil thing. If you have done wrong, do not endeavor to vindicate yourself before him; it is of no use; his power is absolute, and he will do what he pleases. He will take his own view of the subject, and he will retain it. The language of a despotic sovereign was ever this, Sic volo sic jubeo, stat pro ratione... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

Section 5. There is no use in repining or rebelling; true wisdom counsels obedience to the powers that be , and submission to the dispensations of Providence . However oppressive a tyrant may prove sure retribution awaits him. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:2

I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment . The pronoun I stands in the Hebrew without a verb, and some take it as the answer to the question in Ecclesiastes 8:1 , "Who is like the wise man?" I, who am now teaching you. But it is better to regard the pronoun as emphasizing the following rule, supplying some verb, as, "Say, advise—I, for my part, whatever others may do or advise, I counsel thee;" the injunction being given in the imperative mood. The Septuagint and Syriac omit the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:3

Further advice concerning political behavior. Be not hasty to go out of his (the king's) sight . Do not, from some hasty impulse, or induced by harsh treatment, cast off your allegiance to your liege lord. We have the phrase, "go away," in the sense of quitting of service or desertion of a duty, in Genesis 4:16 ; Hosea 11:2 . So St. Peter urges servants to be subject unto their masters, "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward" ( 1 Peter 2:18 ). Solomon might have... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:2

Oath - A reference to the oath of allegiance taken to Solomon at his accession to the throne (the margin of 1 Chronicles 29:24). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:3

Stand not ... - i. e., “Do not persist in rebellion.” read more

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