Having arrived Ecclesiastes 3:22 at a partial answer to his question Ecclesiastes 1:3; namely, that there is positive good (a portion) in that satisfaction which is found in working, Solomon now turns to the case of such happiness being interrupted and reduced to vanity by various contingencies - by... [ Continue Reading ]
SO I RETURNED, AND CONSIDERED - Rather, And I returned and saw. He turns to look upon other phenomena, and to test his previous conclusion by them. OPPRESSED - See the introduction to Ecclesiastes.... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERY RIGHT WORK - Rather, every success in work. FOR THIS ... - i. e., “This successful work makes the worker an object of envy.” Some understand the meaning to be, “this work is the effect of the rivalry of man with his neighbor.”... [ Continue Reading ]
FOLDETH HIS HANDS - The envious man is here exhibited in the attitude of the sluggard (marginal references). EATETH HIS OWN FLESH - i. e., “Destroys himself:” compare a similar expression in Isaiah 49:26; Psalms 27:2; Micah 3:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
Either the fool’s sarcasm on his successful but restless neighbor; or the comment of Solomon recommending contentment with a moderate competence. The former meaning seems preferable.... [ Continue Reading ]
The spectacle of a prosperous man whose condition is rendered vain by his brotherless, childless isolation. Ecclesiastes 4:8 A SECOND - Any one associated or connected with him. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Compare a saying from the Talmud: “A man without companions is like the left hand without the right.”... [ Continue Reading ]
These verses set forth the vanity of earthly prosperity even on a throne. Opinion as to their application is chiefly divided between considering them a parable or fiction like that of the childless man in Ecclesiastes 4:8 : or as setting forth first the vicissitudes of royal life in two proverbial s... [ Continue Reading ]