Bible Commentary

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil. 14. For God shall bring every work into judgment ] Once again the Teacher brings into prominence what was indeed the outcome of the book; though, as history shews, the careless reader, still more … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:14”

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man. 13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter ] The word for “let us hear” has been taken by some scholars as a participle with a gerundial force, “ The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:13”

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh. 12. And further, by these, my son, be admonished ] Better, And for more than these ( i.e. for all that lies beyond), be warned. The address “my son” is, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:12”

The words of the wise [are] as goads, and as nails fastened [by] the masters of assemblies, [which] are given from one shepherd. 11. The words of the wise are as goads ] The general fact is, of course, stated in special connexion with the book which furnishes the writer’s theme. They assert that its … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:11”

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [that which was] written [was] upright, [even] words of truth. 10. The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words ] Literally, words of delight, or pleasure, as in chs. Ecc 5:4, Ecc 12:1. The phrase reminds us of “the words of grace” (Luk 4:22) which came … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:10”

And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs. 9. And moreover, because the Preacher was wise ] The opening words, closely linked on, as they are, to the preceding, confirm the conclusion just stated that Ecc … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:9”

Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all [is] vanity. 8. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity ] The recurrence at the close of the book, and after words which, taken as we have taken them, suggest a nobler view of life, of the same sad burden with which it opened, has a … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:8”

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was ] The reference to the history of man’s creation in Gen 2:7 is unmistakeable, and finds an echo in the familiar words … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:7”

Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 6. or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken ] The figurative character of the whole section, reaches its highest point here. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:6”

Also [when] they shall be afraid of [that which is] high, and fears [shall be] in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 5. also when they shall be … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 12:5”