Bible Commentary

All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: [there is] a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. 9. All this have I seen ] The formula which had been used before (chs. Ecc 5:18, Ecc 7:23) to enforce the results … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:9”

[There is] no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither [hath he] power in the day of death: and [there is] no discharge in [that] war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. 8. There is no man that hath power over the spirit ] The word … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:8”

For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? 7. For he knoweth not that which shall be ] The subject of the sentence is apparently the wicked and tyrannous ruler. He goes on with infatuated blindness to the doom that lies before him. The same thought … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:7”

Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man [is] great upon him. 6. Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore ] The English conjunctions misrepresent the sequence of thought, and we should read “ For to every purpose there is time and judgment, for the misery … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:6”

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment. 5. Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing ] The words are once again ambiguous. If the “commandment” is that of the king, they enjoin unhesitating servile obedience as in the interpretation (3) of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:5”

Where the word of a king [is, there is] power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? 4. Where the word of a king is, there is power ] Better, Forasmuch as the word of a king is power, or rather authority. The latter word in the Hebrew text is used in Chaldee … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:4”

Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. 3. Be not hasty to go out of his sight ] The phrase is explained by Gen 4:16; Hos 11:2 as implying flight or desertion. Such a flight the Teacher looks on as an … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:3”

I [counsel thee] to keep the king’s commandment, and [that] in regard of the oath of God. 2. I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment ] The words in Italics “ counsel thee,” have nothing answering to them in the Hebrew, and the grammar of the sentence does not allow us to translate with … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:2”

Who [is] as the wise [man]? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. 1. Who is as the wise man? ] The question comes in abruptly as from a teacher who calls the attention of his scholars … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 8:1”

Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. 29. They have sought out many inventions ] The Hebrew word implies an ingenuity exercised mainly for evil but takes within its range, as in 2Ch 26:15, the varied acts of life which are in themselves … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 7:29”