Ecclesiastes 8:9 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:9-13

Solomon, in the beginning of the chapter, had warned us against having any thing to do with seditious subjects; here, in these verses, he encourages us, in reference to the mischief of tyrannical and oppressive rulers, such as he had complained of before, Eccl. 3:16; 4:1. 1. He had observed many such rulers, Eccl. 8:9. In the serious views and reviews he had taken of the children of men and their state he had observed that many a time one man rules over another to his hurt; that is, (1.) To... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:9

All this have I seen ,.... Observed, taken notice of, and thoroughly considered; all that is said above, concerning the scarcity of good men and women, the fall of our first parents, the excellency of wisdom, the necessity and advantage of keeping the king's commandment, the time and manner of doing it, the evil consequences that follow an inattention to these things, ignorance of what is to come, and the unavoidableness of death; and applied my heart unto every work that is done under... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:9

One man ruleth over another to his own hurt - This may be spoken of rulers generally, who, instead of feeding, fleece the flock; tyrants and oppressors, who come to an untimely end by their mismanagement of the offices of the state. All these things relate to Asiatic despots, and have ever been more applicable to them than to any other sovereigns in the world. They were despotic; they still are so. 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 8:9

All this have I seen ( Ecclesiastes 5:18 ; Ecclesiastes 7:23 ); i.e. all that has been mentioned in the preceding eight verses, especially the conviction of retributive justice. He gained this experience by giving his mind to the consideration of men's actions. There is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. This version is certainly incorrect. A new sentence is not commenced here, but the clause is closely connected with what precedes; and "his own hurt"... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:9

To his own hurt - Or, “to the hurt of the subject.” The case is still that of an unwise king whose command is obeyed Ecclesiastes 8:2 even to the hurt of the wise man who obeys him. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 8:9-10

Ecclesiastes 8:9-10. All this I have seen All these things before mentioned; and applied my heart unto every work I have been a diligent observer of all actions and events. There is a time when one man ruleth, &c. There are some kings, who use their power tyrannically, whereby they not only oppress their people, but hurt themselves, bringing the vengeance of God upon their own heads. And so I saw In like manner; the wicked Wicked princes or rulers, buried With state or pomp; ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

Compromise, despair and joy (8:1-17)Wisdom helps people see the underlying meaning of things and teaches them that to act with pleasantness is better than to act with harshness (8:1). If, for example, people work in the king’s palace, they will do what the king says, partly because they have sworn before God to be obedient and partly because they will be punished if they disobey. But if they find the king’s command unreasonable, wisdom will show them a way out. They will wait for a suitable... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 8:9

under the sun. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:3 . there is a time wherein = sometimes. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:9

THE ANSWER TO UNCERTAINTY: LET PEOPLE ABIDE IN THE FEAR AND TRUST OF GOD[17]"All this have I seen and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time when one man hath power over another to his hurt. So I saw the wicked buried, and they came to the grave; and they that had done right went away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city: this also is vanity. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of... read more