CRITICAL NOTES.— ECCLESIASTES 5:1. THY FOOT] The outward movement, as showing the tendency of the heart. THE SACRIFICE OF FOOLS] Some unworthy satisfaction of the religious idea—an offering whose purpose is merely to please God, and to serve as a salve for the conscience. THEY CONSIDER NOT THAT THE... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— ECCLESIASTES 5:6. BEFORE THE ANGEL] The representative of God in the Temple, _i.e_., the priest. Or it may be taken literally, as expressing the early belief of mankind that angels are invisible witnesses to our conduct, especially in God’s house. (1 Corinthians 11:10). _MAIN HOMI... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— ECCLESIASTES 5:8. IN A PROVINCE] Such being far distant from the seat of government it was more likely that there oppression would be practised by subordinate rulers. _Higher than the highest, and there be higher than they_. The king is over the oppressive ruler, and over him there... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Ecclesiastes 5:10_ THE IMPOTENCE OF WEALTH Wealth, though it confers great social influence and power, has yet some elements of weakness, and fails when the severest tests are applied. I. WEALTH CANNOT SATISFY THE DESIRE IT RAISES. Wealth stimulates desire, and... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— ECCLESIASTES 5:13. TO THEIR HURT] Inasmuch as they, at length, lose those possessions (Ecclesiastes 5:14). The owner is more unhappy than if he had never possessed at all. ECCLESIASTES 5:17. EATETH IN DARKNESS] A spirit of melancholy darkening the whole life. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— ECCLESIASTES 5:20. HE SHALL NOT MUCH REMEMBER THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE] An even joy is diffused through them—they pass smoothly and pleasantly along. _Answereth him in the joy of his heart_. Answers him by satisfying his desire, and thus prolonging his joy. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PAR... [ Continue Reading ]