Eclesiastes 8
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Eclesiastes 8
Utley on illumines - This VERB (BDB 21; KB 24; Hiphil IMPERFECT) is often used of God's face (e.g., Nu. 6:25; Ps. 4:6; 31:16; 44:3; 67:1; 80:3,7,19; 89:15; 119:135; Dan. 9:17), but only here of a human face. William Barrick - Ecclesiastes 8 Wisdom Has Its Limits. By application, the Preacher found the explanation for apparent inequalities in divine providence (Eccl 6:1–8:15). The topic of wisdom brackets Eccl 8 with two declarations about “the wise man” (Eccl 8:1, 17). Eccl 8:1 speaks again to the rarity of the truly wise person (Eccl 7:27–28); Eccl 8:17 announces the frustration of the wise person who says, “I know,” but cannot comprehend all the work of God “under the sun.” Wisdom has its benefits (Eccl 8:1b), but it also has its limits (Eccl 8:17). Wisdom in Situations beyond a Person’s Control (Eccl 8:1–9) Eccl 8:1 serves as a transition between Eccl 7 and Eccl 8. Whether it concludes Eccl 7 or commences chapter 8, the verse serves as a “hinge”1 between the two. Rhetorical questions like those in the first half of Ec 8:1 normally receive a negative answer. The questions anticipate “no one knows” (Eccl 8:7) and the reference to those who think they know, but have not come to a full comprehension of all that God does (Eccl 8:17). (C. L. Seow, Ecclesiastes, Anchor Bible 18C, 290) However, in the second half of the verse Solomon answers by indicating that such individuals do exist—despite their rarity (cf. Ec 7:28). A wise person possesses the ability to interpret a matter and its resulting calm assurance produces a radiant countenance (Eccl 8:1b). Similar terminology occurs in the Aaronic blessing: “The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you” (Nu 6:25; cp. Ps 4:6). The context indicates that the shining face refers to God’s favor, grace, and mercy (cf. Ps 67:1). Proverbs 16:15 applies the metaphor to human beings (“In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain”). Ecclesiastes 8:1 concludes with the statement that a person’s wisdom “causes his stern face to beam” (literally, “the strength of his face changes”). Wisdom softens one’s face as a reflection of the softened heart (cp. Prov 15:13). In other words, that individual becomes more gracious, merciful, and forgiving. (Eaton sees this as referring to the wise man, but Garrett sees it as referring to the king in the next verse) In Eccl 7:15–29 Solomon had exhorted his readers to be forgiving of those who have spoken ill of them (Eccl 7:21). Now, in Eccl 8:1, he offers a fuller explanation of what transpires in the exhibition of that forgiving spirit. Since Eccl 7, 8 depict wisdom as something desirable and positive, Longman’s view of Eccl 8:1 “as a sarcastic exclamation of frustration” finds no objective basis in the text itself (though Eccl 7:23, 24 seem to conclude that wisdom is unattainable). (Barrick - Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary) 1 Cp. Daniel J. Estes, Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), 351. “Shining with Wisdom” Wisdom isn’t about being clever—it’s about living with clarity, humility, and holy understanding. When you walk with God’s wisdom: Your burdens lighten, Your heart finds calm, And even your face shows peace others can’t explain. God’s wisdom makes radiant what sin and sorrow had hardened. Solomon says it: the wise beam with light—because they see the world through the eyes of God. True wisdom is rare and invaluable. It enables understanding where others only see confusion. Righteous living brings visible change. The inner life radiates outward, especially in times of pressure. Wise people are a gift to the world. They are like lighthouses—calm, radiant, and deeply grounded. Let God soften your face. Ask Him to replace a harsh, anxious, or proud countenance with His peace. Be a light-bringer. In a world of confusion and complaint, let your wisdom shine with quiet confidence. Have you ever seen this joy in the face of an older, wiser believer? Is God making your own face shine, transforming you from glory to glory (see 2Co 3:18+)? Or to change the metaphor who do you "smell like?" Paul wrote But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and (GOD DOES THIS) manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? (Answer? 2Cor 3:5-6+) (2Co 2:14-16+) Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun - THE RADIANT FACE Who is like the wise man? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens a man’s face and changes its hard appearance. Ecclesiastes 8:1 The face is the mirror of the soul. According to Exodus 34:29, Moses' face was radiant when he came down from Mount Sinai because he had seen the Lord. In Proverbs 15:13 Solomon also tells us that "a happy heart makes the face cheerful." Look at a person's face and you can discover a great deal about his or her walk with God. Wisdom changes a person's face, making it beautiful to behold, according to Ecclesiastes 8:1. When I came to the church I now pastor, the Spurnys were one of the first families to befriend us. I don't know why that happened, but somehow we just became good friends. Every Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Spurny would come by, shake my hand, and Mrs. Spurny would smile at me. They taught me a little Czechoslovakian (a very little), and each week Mrs. Spurny would smile as I struggled to say a few words in her native tongue. For several years before her death she struggled with cancer. Shortly before she died my associate pastor and I visited her at home. She looked so frail, so weak that we knew the end was not far away. Cancer had done its awful work. Despite her illness, she was as gracious as ever. As we sat at her kitchen table, my associate pastor read Psalm 34. When he read verse 5, he stopped for a moment. "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." For some reason I had never noticed that particular verse. But when he read it, I looked at Mrs. Spurny. Her face was radiant. Although the cancer was taking her life, it had not destroyed her spirit. She said to us, "I'm not afraid to die. I'm ready to meet the Lord." In heaven there is no more cancer, no more sickness, no more Alzheimer's disease, no more AIDS. In heaven there is only the radiance and joy of seeing Jesus Christ face-to-face. That's the bottom line, isn't it? It is possible to face even the worst that life has to offer, and to face it with hope and optimism because the promises of God go beyond the grave. Lord God, may the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT Whose face comes to mind when you think of being radiant with the joy of the Lord? What do others see when they look at you? Take a quick look in the mirror. What do you see? MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Proverbs 24:5; Daniel 2:28-30; and Acts 6:8-15. Ecclesiastes 8:2 I say, "Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. KJV Ecclesiastes 8:2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. NKJ Ecclesiastes 8:2 I say, "Keep the king's commandment for the sake of your oath to God. NET Ecclesiastes 8:2 Obey the king's command, because you took an oath before God to be loyal to him. BGT Ecclesiastes 8:2 στόμα βασιλέως φύλαξον καὶ περὶ λόγου ὅρκου θεοῦ μὴ σπουδάσῃς LXE Ecclesiastes 8:2 Observe the commandment of the king, and that because of the word of the oath of God. CSB Ecclesiastes 8:2 Keep the king's command because of your oath made before God. ESV Ecclesiastes 8:2 I say: Keep the king's command, because of God's oath to him. NIV Ecclesiastes 8:2 Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God. NLT Ecclesiastes 8:2 Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. YLT Ecclesiastes 8:2 I pray thee, the commandment of a king keep, even for the sake of the oath of God. NJB Ecclesiastes 8:2 Obey the king's command and, because of the divine promise, NRS Ecclesiastes 8:2 Keep the king's command because of your sacred oath. NAB Ecclesiastes 8:2 Observe the precept of the king, and in view of your oath to God, GWN Ecclesiastes 8:2 I advise you to obey the king's commands because of the oath you took in God's presence. BBE Ecclesiastes 8:2 I say to you, Keep the king's law, from respect for the oath of God. RSV Ecclesiastes 8:2 Keep the king's command, and because of your sacred oath be not dismayed; ASV Ecclesiastes 8:2 I counsel thee, Keep the king's command, and that in regard of the oath of God. I say: Pr 24:21 Ro 13:1-4 Titus 3:1 1Pe 2:13-17 Because of the oath : 1Ki 2:43 1Ch 29:24 Eze 17:13-20 Ro 13:5 Related Passages: Romans 13:1-4 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 13:5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change WISDOM AND THE THRONE Ecclesiastes 8 continues Solomon’s practical application of wisdom in a world of imperfect human authority. After praising the brightness and discernment of the wise (v.1), Solomon moves into a discussion of how wisdom functions in the presence of rulers who possess absolute authority. This section (vv.2–9) addresses: How to behave under royal authority, when and how to act wisely in unjust systems, and the limits of human control over life and government. The doctrine presented here is the same doctrine as that given by Paul in Romans 13:1–5. Human government is God’s ordained means of rectifying most current disorders. I say, "Keep (shamar; Lxx - phulasso - aorist imperative) the command of the king - NET = "Obey the king's command." Command of the king is literally “mouth of the king,” a Hebrew idiom meaning “command of the king.” Solomon exhorts the reader to obey the command of the ruling authority, even when the system is flawed. Solomon urges submission to authority as part of wise living under God’s providence. Ecclesiastes 8:2 is not about absolute loyalty, but about honoring God’s order in a fallen world with wise, godly discretion. Michael Eaton on command of king (literally “mouth of the king") - The mouth of the king is not simply his commands (as in most translations), but more generally ‘what he says’ (cf. Prov. 13:3). (Borrow Ecclesiastes) Philip G Ryken - The general principle here is submission to the governing authorities—something the Bible also teaches in other places. Jesus told his disciples to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's" (Luke 20:25). Paul told every person to "be subject to the governing authorities"—what William Tyndale famously called "the powers that be" (Romans 13:1). Martin Luther called this the duty of "political obedience." Every Christian is called to be a law abiding citizen and to respond to any godly request the government makes for help. This includes everything from paying our full taxes to answering the president's call to volunteer service. (See Ecclesiastes: Why Everything Matters - Page 184) Because of the oath (shebuah) before God - NET = "because you took an oath before God to be loyal to him." This verse is unclear as to whether it refers to an oath man makes or to an oath God makes. You see this difference in the way the versions are translated above, some saying the "oath before God" and others "the oath of God." If it is the former, it speaks of a man making a vow to obey the king. Michael Eaton - The latter part of the verse gives the reason for the command: ... and that on account of the oath of God (cf. AV, RV; RSV receives comment below). Evidently it was a custom for the king’s subjects to take an oath of loyalty. 2 Chronicles 36:13 and Ezekiel 17:13 have been cited as throwing some light on the matter, but here the oath is one taken more generally among the populace (cf. 1 Chr. 29:24; Josephus, Antiquities 15.10.4; 17.2.4).(Borrow Ecclesiastes) ESV Study Bible - The Preacher is reminding the king’s counselor that he is obligated to help restrain the king from making foolish decisions on account of his “oath to God” (esv footnote), i.e., his taking an oath of service to the king in God’s name (cf. Ex. 22:11; 2 Sam. 21:7; 1 Kings 2:43). (See ESV Study Bible - Page 401) As noted above there is some disagreement on interpretation of the oath - This phrase may mean (1) Because of your personal oath to God – i.e., a citizen’s vow of loyalty to a king made in God’s presence. (2) Because of God's oath – i.e., the divine sanction of the king’s rule (cf. Romans 13:1–2). (3) Because obedience honors your covenant with God – a general call to submit to authority as an act of piety. Ryken for example writes that "The "oath of God" may be a divine rather than a human promise—the promise that God had made when he put his king on the throne. Remember that the rightful kings of Israel were the recipients of a royal promise. God had sworn to King David that one of his sons would sit on Israel's throne forever. This is the covenant that God made to David in 2 Samuel 7 and that David himself repeated in Psalm 110: "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool'" (v. 1). The people of God were obliged to obey their earthly king because he was anointed by Almighty God. To obey the king, therefore, was to give honor to God....What the Preacher gives us in Ecclesiastes 8 is practical wisdom for when we are under an earthly authority that is not entirely righteous and we might not be certain what to do. (See Ecclesiastes: Why Everything Matters - Page 185) With God as witness, subjects make their oath of allegiance to their sovereign.... Solomon exhorts people to be faithful in their sworn allegiance to their king. William Barrick - Some commentators question Solomonic authorship of Ecclesiastes in view of instruction regarding kings in Eccl 8:2–9.6 The verses seem to present kings in a negative light. Would King Solomon speak in such a manner? However, who better to expound on practical politics in the royal court than a king? His advice resounds with credibility gained from firsthand experience on the throne and with other sovereigns. Fredericks declares that a royal perspective pervades Ecclesiastes, but that both exilic and post-exilic periods of Israel’s history provide very little opportunity for applying wise instruction regarding the monarchy’s operations. “There was no monarchy!”7 Thus, Solomonic authorship contributes to the authenticity of these instructions and observations. Being Wise in a King’s Throne Room (Eccl 8:2–6) First, the writer of Ecclesiastes advises his readers to submit to the king (Eccl 8:2). Does Solomon refer to a human monarch or to the divine King? Leupold believes that verses 1–8 speak of “the heavenly Monarch, . . . more aptly than it does to an earthly ruler.”8 While this interpretation nullifies one argument often used against Solomonic authorship,9 it does not do justice to the text. Parallels with Proverbs also connect wisdom with behavior in a king’s presence. Opening the instruction with “I say” (literally, “I”— no verb10) echoes Eccl 6:3 and Eccl 8:14. Submission to royal authority finds its basis in “the oath of God” (literal translation). The phrase contains some grammatical ambiguity, since the genitive can mean an oath that God takes or gives (ESV),11 an oath characterized by God (“sacred oath,” NRSV), or an oath taken to God (NKJV) or before God (NASB, NIV). The last offers the most likely meaning. With God as witness, subjects make their oath of allegiance to their sovereign (cp. Exod 22:11; 2 Sam 21:7; 1 Kgs 2:43; 1 Chron 29:24). Solomon exhorts people to be faithful in their sworn allegiance to their king. (Barrick - Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary) 4 Michael A. Eaton, Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1983), 117. On the other hand, Duane A. Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, New American Commentary 14 (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1993), 326 fns 183 and 184, considers “his face” a reference to the king, mentioned in the following verse. 5 Tremper Longman III, The Book of Ecclesiastes, New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998), 208. Even Longman notes that such an interpretation is “hypothetical because it is the context, rather than anything explicit in the text, that signals the sarcastic tone” (ibid. 209). 6 Ibid., 6, 209. 7 Daniel C. Fredericks, “Ecclesiastes,” in Ecclesiastes & The Song of Songs, by Daniel C. Fredericks and Daniel J. Estes, Apollos Old Testament Commentary 16 (Nottingham, UK: Apollos, 2010), 32. 8 H. C. Leupold, Exposition of Ecclesiastes (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1971), 180. 9 Leupold, however, dates the book to the Persian period; ibid., 11, 183. 10 An alternate translation: “As for me, the rule is ‘Keep the king’s command.’” Cp. 1 Sam 12:14, “[do] not rebel against the command of the LORD” (literally, “the mouth of the LORD”). 11 Philip Graham Ryken, Ecclesiastes: Why Everything Matters, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010), 185, believes that the oath refers to God’s promise to David that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel. Submission for the Sake of the Lord - Living in a world of broken systems, unfair rulers, and imperfect governments can stir rebellion in our hearts. But Solomon gives a surprising piece of wisdom: Obey the king—not for his sake, but for God's. Why? Because God is sovereign over rulers. He holds kings accountable. Your obedience, when done with integrity and wisdom, reflects your reverence for God, not blind allegiance to men. Even in unjust systems, your faithfulness shines as a quiet testimony to God's ultimate rule. Wisdom honors lawful authority—not because rulers are perfect, but because God is sovereign. Discernment is key. There are times to obey, and times to respectfully resist (cf. Daniel, Acts). Pray for those in authority. (1 Timothy 2:1–2) – because God uses rulers, even unbelieving ones, for His purposes. Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun - OBEY THE KING! Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God. Do not be in a hurry to leave the kings presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. Since a kings word is supreme, who can say to him, "What are you doing?" Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. Ecclesiastes 8:2-5 Verses 2-5 offer practical, commonsense advice about loyalty and allegiance. Specifically, the oath in verse 2 refers to a vow of allegiance to obey a king. But it has many modern applications for those of us who have no king to obey. It certainly applies to employees who pick up a paycheck every two weeks. Whose signature is at the bottom? Who is paying your salary? You owe that person—or that company—your loyalty. What if you feel that you can't obey his or her orders? Then quit and find a job compatible with your values. If you want to criticize, leave the company and then criticize to your heart's content. But don't sit in the "peanut gallery," making cheap comments about your superiors. That's just plain wrong. It's also stupid and will probably cost you your job eventually. Does this mean we should never complain? No, not at all. But it does mean that we must recognize that "the authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1). An authority is anyone who has the right to do something. If your job gives you the right to make certain decisions, then when you are on the job, you are an "authority." Seen in another light, an authority is anyone who has the right to make decisions that directly affect your life. In the broadest sense, all of us live in two relationships at once. We both have authority in certain areas and we are under authority in other areas. You may be a husband and thus the head of your home, but at work you are under the authority of your boss. You may be a teacher and thus the authority in your classroom, but you are under the authority of your principal, who is also under the authority of the school board. You may work in an office where certain people report to you while at the same time you report to someone over you. You are thus "in authority" and "under authority" at the same time. You cannot be a leader until you know how to obey, and you cannot obey until you submit yourself to the authorities over you. This won't always be easy or convenient, and sometimes it can be very costly indeed. Solomon's advice is quite clear. Obey the king! Learn to obey, because someday you may be the one giving the orders. Lord of all things, I pray for the grace to obey. Quell the rebel spirit within m y heart. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT Who are the "kings" in authority over you? In what ways are you in authority over others? Where do you sense the rebel spirit in your own heart? MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; Proverbs 14:29; and 1 Peter 3:12-15. Ecclesiastes 8:3 "Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases." KJV Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. NKJ Ecclesiastes 8:3 "Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him." NET Ecclesiastes 8:3 Do not rush out of the king's presence in haste– do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he can do whatever he pleases. BGT Ecclesiastes 8:3 ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ πορεύσῃ μὴ στῇς ἐν λόγῳ πονηρῷ ὅτι πᾶν ὃ ἐὰν θελήσῃ ποιήσει LXE Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not hasty; thou shalt go forth out of his presence: stand not in an evil matter; for he will do whatsoever he shall please, CSB Ecclesiastes 8:3 Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don't persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants. ESV Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. NIV Ecclesiastes 8:3 Do not be in a hurry to leave the king's presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. NLT Ecclesiastes 8:3 Don't try to avoid doing your duty, and don't stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. YLT Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not troubled at his presence, thou mayest go, stand not in an evil thing, for all that he pleaseth he doth. NJB Ecclesiastes 8:3 be in no hurry to depart from it; do not be obstinate in a bad cause, since the king will do as he likes in any case. NRS Ecclesiastes 8:3 Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases. NAB Ecclesiastes 8:3 be not hasty to withdraw from the king; do not join in with a base plot, for he does whatever he pleases, GWN Ecclesiastes 8:3 Don't be in a hurry to leave the king's service. Don't take part in something evil, because he can do whatever he pleases. BBE Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not quick to go from before him. Be not fixed in an evil design, because he does whatever is pleasing to him. RSV Ecclesiastes 8:3 go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases. Do not be in a hurry: Ec 10:4 Pr 14:29 Do not join: 1Ki 1:50-52 2:21-24 Isa 48:4 Jer 44:16,17 Ac 5:8,9 for: Pr 16:14,15 30:31 Da 4:35 5:19 WISDOM BEFORE KINGS DANGER OF HASTINESS Do not be in a hurry to leave him (jussive sense = like a command) - We have all seen enough television scenes where the subject usually carefully backs out of the room from the king's presence. A Biblical example of the danger of entering the presence of a king was Esther who knew she was putting her life in danger going into the king's presence, prompting her to declare "thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16+). Michael Eaton - Do not be in a hurry to leave him. ‘To go from someone’s presence’ elsewhere signifies disaffection or disloyalty (cf. Hos. 11:2). Thus the Preacher warns against a capricious desertion of one’s post (cf. 10:4) and against persistence in any disloyalty (RV persist is better than NASV join in or RSV delay). (Borrow Ecclesiastes) Solomon provides pragmatic wisdom for dealing with authority: Wisdom requires patience, even in unjust or tense settings. Don't let your frustration lead to rebellion. God has placed authority—even flawed authority—for a time. This verse resembles the wisdom of Joseph (Genesis 41), Daniel (Daniel 1–6), and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2), who handled powerful kings with both respect and godly courage. Solomon is not commending blind obedience but warning against rash disrespect and ungodly rebellion. Do not join (jussive sense = like a command) in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases - NLT = "and don't stand with those who plot evil," Don’t align yourself with wicked plans. The king has absolute power (or acts as if he does). He is not easily thwarted, so rashness or rebellion is both dangerous and foolish. R. N. Whybray captures Solomon's attitude toward political authority "on the one hand he counsels obedience and submission to it on the grounds of prudence, while on the other he does not hide the fact that he regards it as brutal and tyrannical." (Online New Century Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes) ESV Study Bible - In a fallen world, there are foolish kings who issue imprudent commands, but that does not mean that a counselor is free to disassociate himself completely from his master. At the same time, however, he ought not to exercise such unthinking obedience to the king that he becomes implicated in an evil cause. (See ESV Study Bible - Page 402) People also must beware of getting involved in any matter that the king might find displeasing. In other words, they should not engage in a “bad cause” William Barrick - Eccl 8:3 continues the exhortation to allegiance and submission. Subjects should not hastily depart from the king’s presence. One should wait to be dismissed by the king himself. A person should demonstrate that their business does not transcend the king’s and that their time is at his pleasure. Indeed, if one makes an untimely exit, he or she might lose an opportunity to influence the king. (Borrow Garrett Ecclesiastes) People also must beware of getting involved in any matter that the king might find displeasing. In other words, they should not engage in a “bad cause” (NIV, HCSB). The king will punish any appearance of evil, lack of submission, rebellion, or improprieties as he sees fit (cf. Prov 14:35; 24:21–22). (Eccl 8:5b (Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary) Philip G Ryken - When people are under the rule of ungodly authority, it is tempting to rebel in an unrighteous way. Instead the Preacher tells us to fight evil with godliness. A good example is the stand that Daniel's friends took against King Nebuchadnezzar when he commanded all of his subjects to worship him. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (to use their proper Hebrew names) peacefully refused to worship anyone except God alone (see Daniel 3:1-30+). Another notable example is Helmuth von Moltke—the man mentioned in the introduction to this chapter. Although he resisted Hitler at every turn, von Moltke refused to resort to violence, for fear that this would make him little better than a Nazi. This is not to say that there is never a time to fight against tyranny, including by the rightful use of force, if this is a calling that we have been given by God. But Ecclesiastes cautions us not to respond to evil with evil. (See Ecclesiastes (Redesign): Why Everything Matters) “Don’t React, Reflect” Powerful people can stir up strong emotions—especially when they are unjust. Solomon warns: Don’t storm out. Don’t join the mob. Instead, wait. Pray. Choose your battles carefully. There is a time to speak truth—but it must be timed with wisdom, not reaction. God can open the hearts of kings—but He often uses humble, careful servants, not angry rebels. When suffering oppression from others in authority, do not let the desire for revenge turn your heart to ungodliness. Ecclesiastes 8:4 Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, "What are you doing?" KJV Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? NKJ Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, "What are you doing?" NET Ecclesiastes 8:4 Surely the king's authority is absolute; no one can say to him, "What are you doing?" BGT Ecclesiastes 8:4 καθὼς λαλεῖ βασιλεὺς ἐξουσιάζων καὶ τίς ἐρεῖ αὐτῷ τί ποιήσεις LXE Ecclesiastes 8:4 even as a king having power: and who will say to him, What doest thou? CSB Ecclesiastes 8:4 For the king's word is authoritative, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?" ESV Ecclesiastes 8:4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, "What are you doing?" NIV Ecclesiastes 8:4 Since a king's word is supreme, who can say to him, "What are you doing?" NLT Ecclesiastes 8:4 His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. YLT Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a king is power is, and who saith to him, 'What dost thou?' NJB Ecclesiastes 8:4 Since the word of a king is sovereign, what is the point of saying, 'Why do that?' NRS Ecclesiastes 8:4 For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?" NAB Ecclesiastes 8:4 because his word is sovereign, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?" GWN Ecclesiastes 8:4 Since a king's word has such power, no one can ask him what he is doing. BBE Ecclesiastes 8:4 The word of a king has authority; and who may say to him, What is this you are doing? RSV Ecclesiastes 8:4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, "What are you doing?" the word: 1Ki 2:25,29-34,46 Pr 19:12, Pr 20:2, Pr 30:31 Da 3:15 Lu 12:4,5 Ro 13:1-4 What: Job 33:12,13 34:18,19 Ro 9:20 Related Passages: Daniel 3:15 “Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?” Luke 12:4; 5 “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. 5 “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Romans 13:1-4 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Proverbs 19:12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. Proverbs 30:31 The strutting rooster, the male goat also, And a king when his army is with him. WHEN KINGS SPEAK WHO DARES CHALLENGE? Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, "What are you doing? - Another rhetorical question calling for a negative answer. NET = "Surely the king's authority is absolute; no one can say to him, "What are you doing?" The point is not to glorify tyranny, but to warn readers about the real risks of defying powerful rulers and to urge wisdom, restraint, and timing in all things. The king’s decree is law and is binding and enforceable. His word has legal and executive power, especially in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. In Solomon’s political context, questioning the king could be seen as insubordination and/or bring severe consequences. Therefore, wise people refrain from reckless criticism of the authorities. William Barrick - Eccl 8:4 warns about arguing with the king or demanding an explanation for his decisions. The rhetorical question (“who will say to him, ‘What are you doing?’”) demands a negative response, “No one” (cp. Job 9:12; Isa 45:9). God, king, and potter exercise similar power over their subjects. (Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary) Derek Kidner says there are times when "wisdom has to fold its wings and take the form of discretion, content to keep its possessor out of trouble." (Borrow The Message of Ecclesiastes) Ecclesiastes 8:5 He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. KJV Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. NKJ Ecclesiastes 8:5 He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment, NET Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure. BGT Ecclesiastes 8:5 ὁ φυλάσσων ἐντολὴν οὐ γνώσεται ῥῆμα πονηρόν καὶ καιρὸν κρίσεως γινώσκει καρδία σοφοῦ LXE Ecclesiastes 8:5 He that keeps the commandment shall not know an evil thing: and the heart of the wise knows the time of judgement. CSB Ecclesiastes 8:5 The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. ESV Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. NIV Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. NLT Ecclesiastes 8:5 Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, YLT Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoso is keeping a command knoweth no evil thing, and time and judgment the heart of the wise knoweth. NJB Ecclesiastes 8:5 One who obeys the command will come to no harm; the heart of the sage knows the right moment and verdict, NRS Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way. NAB Ecclesiastes 8:5 "He who keeps the commandment experiences no evil, and the wise man's heart knows times and judgments; GWN Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever obeys his commands will avoid trouble. The mind of a wise person will know the right time and the right way to act. BBE Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever keeps the law will come to no evil: and a wise man's heart has knowledge of time and of decision. RSV Ecclesiastes 8:5 He who obeys a command will meet no harm, and the mind of a wise man will know the time and way. keeps: Ec 8:2 Ex 1:17,20,21 Ps 119:6 Ho 5:11 Lu 20:25 Ac 4:19 5:29 Ro 13:5-7 1Pe 3:13,14 wise: Ec 2:14 10:2 1Ch 12:32 Pr 17:24 Lu 12:56,57 1Co 2:14,15 Php 1:9,10 Col 1:9 Heb 5:14 WISDOM IN THE COURT RIGHT TIME, RIGHT WAY He who keeps (shamar; Lxx - phulasso - present tense - continually) a royal command experiences (yada; Lxx = ginosko - Literally "knows") no trouble - NET = "Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm" Finally, an encouraging word about kings and those in authority! Those who wisely observe commands will avoid legal consequences, punishment, or calamity. The word experiences (yada; Lxx = ginosko - Literally "knows") means he does not experience or suffer harm. William Barrick - Obedience to royal decrees keeps one out of trouble with the king (Eccl 8:5a; cf. Prov 16:14; 19:12; 20:2). A citizen must employ the correct process at the proper time to present any disagreement or grievance (Eccl 8:5b) (Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary) For a wise heart knows the proper time (et/eth; Lxx - kairos) and procedure - He has just alluded to a person saying "What are you doing" (addressing the king). Here he says a wise person knows best course of action and when to apply it. Wisdom enables not just obedience, but discernment about when and how to act. Wisdom enables a person to discern both the right time and the right way to act—not just whether to act, but when and how. Daniel obeyed laws unless they contradicted God's commands (Da 6:10). Esther waited for the right time to appeal to the king, risking her life with wisdom and prayer (Esther 5:1–8). John
Eclesiastes 8
Utley - This mystery of life (humans do not know why, when, or how problems/joys come) is a recurrent theme (cf. Eccl. 3:22; 6:12; 9:12; 10:14). Human wisdom cannot find the answer to this mystery, so: enjoy life when you can (cf. Eccl. 9:11) trust (i.e., fear) in God (cf. Eccl. 9:12,13); obey God (cf. Eccl. 8:5; 12:13); This is all we can do (from the sage's OT perspective [cf. Eccl. 6:12]). Thank God there is a New Testament (i.e., Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36)! Thank God for "progressive revelation" “Faith in the Fog” Solomon is not cynical—he’s honest. We crave certainty, especially about what’s next. But God calls us to walk by faith, not by prediction. You may be praying about a decision, waiting for something to change, or fearing what’s ahead. But the "what" and "when" belong to God. Faith is not knowing what the future holds—but knowing Who holds the future. The wise heart accepts this mystery and leans into God’s timing with trust, not anxiety. God alone holds the future. Trust in His providence, not your prediction. Let go of the need for full control. Planning is wise, but obsession over the future is futile. Trust God with your “when.” Whether you’re waiting on healing, justice, direction, or provision—wait in faith. Practice contentment in the now. Don’t let unknowns rob you of today’s grace. Ecclesiastes 8:8 No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it. KJV Ecclesiastes 8:8 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. NKJ Ecclesiastes 8:8 No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, And no one has power in the day of death. There is no release from that war, And wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it. NET Ecclesiastes 8:8 Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked. BGT Ecclesiastes 8:8 οὐκ ἔστιν ἄνθρωπος ἐξουσιάζων ἐν πνεύματι τοῦ κωλῦσαι σὺν τὸ πνεῦμα καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐξουσία ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ θανάτου καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ἀποστολὴ ἐν τῷ πολέμῳ καὶ οὐ διασώσει ἀσέβεια τὸν παρ᾽ αὐτῆς LXE Ecclesiastes 8:8 There is no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; and there is no power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in the day of the battle; neither shall ungodliness save her votary. CSB Ecclesiastes 8:8 No one has authority over the wind to restrain it, and there is no authority over the day of death; there is no furlough in battle, and wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape. ESV Ecclesiastes 8:8 No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. NIV Ecclesiastes 8:8 No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. NLT Ecclesiastes 8:8 None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked. YLT Ecclesiastes 8:8 There is no man ruling over the spirit to restrain the spirit, and there is no authority over the day of death, and there is no discharge in battle, and wickedness delivereth not its possessors. NJB Ecclesiastes 8:8 No one can control the wind and stop it from blowing, no one can control the day of death. From war there is no escape, no more can wickedness save the person who commits it. NRS Ecclesiastes 8:8 No one has power over the wind to restrain the wind, or power over the day of death; there is no discharge from the battle, nor does wickedness deliver those who practice it. NAB Ecclesiastes 8:8 There is no man who is master of the breath of life so as to retain it, and none has mastery of the day of death. There is no exemption from the struggle, nor are the wicked saved by their wickedness. GWN Ecclesiastes 8:8 No one has the power to prevent the spirit of life from leaving. No one has control over the day of his own death. There is no way to avoid the war against death. Wickedness will not save wicked people from dying. BBE Ecclesiastes 8:8 No man has authority over the wind, to keep the wind; or is ruler over the day of his death. In war no man's time is free, and evil will not keep the sinner safe. RSV Ecclesiastes 8:8 No man has power to retain the spirit, or authority over the day of death; there is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. no: Ec 3:21 2Sa 14:14 Job 14:5 34:14 Ps 49:6-9 89:48 Heb 9:27 power: 1Co 15:43 2Co 13:4 discharge: De 20:1-8 2Ki 7:15 neither: Ps 9:17 52:5-7 73:18-28 Pr 14:32 Isa 28:15,18 Related Passages: Job 14:5 “Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; And his limits You have set so that he cannot pass. Hebrews 9:27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, Psalm 49:7-9 No man can by any means redeem his brother Or give to God a ransom for him– 8 For the redemption of his soul is costly, And he should cease trying forever– 9 That he should live on eternally, That he should not undergo decay. Matthew 6:27 “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? THE LIMITS OF WISDOM No man has authority to restrain the wind (ruah; Lxx- pneuma) with the wind (ruah; Lxx- pneuma) Not even a king can control the following. Four limitations to all authority are set forth. Humans cannot control the wind or spirit (symbolic of forces beyond us). or authority over the day of death; No one can control or postpone the moment of death. It's outside human jurisdiction—God alone holds that power (see Job 14:5). Danny Akin - God has allotted a certain number of days for us to live (Gen. 27:2; Job 14:5; Ps. 139:16). We can’t go beyond the boundary that he has set, no matter how much bran we eat. Eating right is a good and prudent thing to do. So are regular exercise and good sleep, because they affect the quality of a person’s life. The quantity, however, is already determined by God. (See Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ecclesiastes) and there is no discharge in the time of war Once war begins, there’s no escaping its demands. Soldiers can't leave when they want. Similarly, once life’s conflicts (or judgment) come, there is no easy exit. and evil will not deliver those who practice it Wickedness is personified as an ineffective taskmaster that cannot protect those who rely on it. Though it may seem useful for escape, evil always fails in the end. Garrett on evil will not deliver says "no amount of cunning can save one from control by the governing powers." (Borrow Ecclesiastes) Solomon reminds us that wisdom is not control but it is living well under God’s sovereignty, keeping in mind his mention of Four Uncontrollable Realities: We can’t control the wind (or our breath/spirit). We can’t escape the day of our death. We can’t exempt ourselves from life’s battles. We can’t count on evil to rescue us. William Barrick - Mankind’s apparent helplessness with regard to the future relates to other matters “under the sun” over which no individual has control. In Eccl 8:8, Solomon offers four examples of an individual’s lack of control over life: (1) no one can restrain the wind with the wind (cp. Prov 27:16), (2) no one can control the day of his or her death, (3) no soldier can discharge himself in time of war, and (4) wicked deeds can never deliver evil doers. Ambiguity creates difficulty in interpreting and translating the first of these examples. “Wind” is the same word (ruah/ruach) translated “breath” (Eccl 3:19, 21) and “spirit” (Eccl 7:8; 12:7). If the author’s intent was “spirit,” it would mean that no one can prevent the departure of his or her spirit. (Borrow Leupold, Ecclesiastes, 189, takes this verse as a reference “to keeping back a spirit that is about to depart from the earthly tabernacle of this body.”) It would fit with the second example speaking of inability to prevent death. Taking the first two clauses as references to death seems incongruous with a numerical saying proverb in which the reader expects four different items.16 The final illustration provides an interesting insight. Literally, the text reads, “wickedness will not deliver its masters.” Those who practice evil have mastered its character and actions. But even evil’s masters remain helpless and subject to God’s authority. All four of these illustrations add to verse 7 and expand the picture of human inability to control their circumstances. The realms include the future, climate, death, war, and salvation. All of these are outside mankind’s control. Only God controls all of these things. (Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary) 12 Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, 326–27. 13 Eaton, Ecclesiastes, 120, identifies the trouble with the general theme of Ecclesiastes—the oppressive burdens of life itself. “Living in Light of Limits” This verse shatters every illusion of control. We can’t hold on to life. We can’t pick our death day. We can’t sidestep every battle. And we can’t game God’s justice with evil schemes. We are not sovereign—God is. And only He can deliver in life and death. So what should we do? Walk humbly. Live dependently. Avoid wickedness. Rest in God’s wisdom, not your own plans. Live with the end in view. Don’t deny death—prepare for it spiritually. Reject shortcuts through evil. They offer no protection in the end. Worship the only One with power over life and death—Jesus Christ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26+) Wind (07307) ruah/ruach (click for in depth discussion) means breath, wind, spirit (76x to the Spirit), air; breeze; ; courage; temper; Ruah/ruach refers to the Spirit of God or Holy Spirit (Ps. 51:11; Ps 106:33; Isa. 63:10, 11), who inspired the prophets (Nu 11:17, 25; 1Sa 10:6; 19:20), moved the prophets in time and space (Elijah (1 Ki. 18:12 cf Ezekiel in Ezek. 2:2). Ruah/ruach can refer to an evil spirit from the Lord (1Sa. 16:15, 16; 1Ki. 22:22, 23). David was inspired to speak as a prophet by the Spirit (2Sa 23:2). The Spirit was present among the returned exiles in Jerusalem (Hag. 2:5; Zech. 4:6); and will be poured out in the latter days on all flesh, imparting prophecy, dreams, and visions (Joel 2:28). The Spirit of God was grieved by the rebellion of God's people (Isa. 63:10). RUAH IN ECCLESIASTES - Eccl. 1:6; Eccl. 1:14; Eccl. 1:17; Eccl. 2:11; Eccl. 2:17; Eccl. 2:26; Eccl. 3:19; Eccl. 3:21; Eccl. 4:4; Eccl. 4:6; Eccl. 4:16; Eccl. 5:16; Eccl. 6:9; Eccl. 7:8; Eccl. 7:9; Eccl. 8:8; Eccl. 10:4; Eccl. 11:4; Eccl. 11:5; Eccl. 12:7 Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt. KJV Ecclesiastes 8:9 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. NKJ Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I have seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: There is a time in which one man rules over another to his own hurt. NET Ecclesiastes 8:9 While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this: Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm. BGT Ecclesiastes 8:9 καὶ σὺν πᾶν τοῦτο εἶδον καὶ ἔδωκα τὴν καρδίαν μου εἰς πᾶν ποίημα ὃ πεποίηται ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον τὰ ὅσα ἐξουσιάσατο ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐν ἀνθρώπῳ τοῦ κακῶσαι αὐτόν LXE Ecclesiastes 8:9 So I saw all this, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun; all the things wherein man has power over man to afflict him. CSB Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one man has authority over another to his harm. ESV Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt. NIV Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. NLT Ecclesiastes 8:9 I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other. YLT Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I have seen so as to give my heart to every work that hath been done under the sun; a time that man hath ruled over man to his own evil. NJB Ecclesiastes 8:9 I have seen all this to be so, having carefully studied everything taking place under the sun, while one person tyrannises over another to the former's detriment. NRS Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I observed, applying my mind to all that is done under the sun, while one person exercises authority over another to the other's hurt. NAB Ecclesiastes 8:9 All these things I considered and I applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun, while one man tyrannizes over another to his hurt. GWN Ecclesiastes 8:9 I have seen all of this, and I have carefully considered all that is done under the sun whenever one person has authority to hurt others. BBE Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this have I seen, and have given my heart to all the work which is done under the sun: there is a time when man has power over man for his destruction. RSV Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this I observed while applying my mind to all that is done under the sun, while man lords it over man to his hurt. this: Ec 1:14 3:10 4:7,8 7:25 there is: Ec 5:8,13 Ex 14:5-9,28 De 2:30 2Ki 14:10-12 25:7 Related Passages: Ecclesiastes 3:16 Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. Ecclesiastes 4:1 Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them. Proverbs 28:16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. Isaiah 10:1-2 Woe to those who enact evil statutes And to those who constantly record unjust decisions, 2 So as to deprive the needy of justice And rob the poor of My people of their rights, So that widows may be their spoil And that they may plunder the orphans. Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? POWER MISUSED SORROW OVER INJUSTICE All this I have seen - Solomon concludes the section that began in verse 2, where Solomon reflects on how to live wisely under human authority. In this verse, he returns to a personal observation, even though wisdom is valuable, those in power often abuse it, causing harm. Solomon is not theorizing—he has witnessed these truths through life experience, possibly during his reign as king. NET NOTE on While applying - The term נָתוֹן (naton, Qal infinitive absolute from נָתַן, natan, “to give”) is a verbal use of the infinitive absolute, used with vav to indicate an action that took place simultaneous to the main verb (see IBHS 596–97 §35.5.2d). Thus, the clause וְנָתוֹן אֶת־לִבִּי (vénaton ’et-libbi, “while applying my mind …”) indicates contemporaneous action to the clause, “All this I have seen” (אֶת־כָּל־זֶה רָאִיתִי, ’et-kol-zeh ra’iti). This is view is taken by several translations: “All this I have seen, having applied my mind to” (NEB); “All this I observed while applying my mind to” (RSV); “All this I saw, as I applied my mind to” (NIV); “All this I saw, as thoughtfully I pondered” (Moffatt). On the other hand, the LXX vav is taken in a coordinating sense (“and”) and the infinitive absolute as an independent verb: Και συμπαν τουτο εἰδον, και ἐδωκα την καρδιαν μου εἰς (“I saw all this, and I applied my heart to”). This reading is adopted by other English versions: “All this I have seen, and applied my heart” (KJV); “All these things I considered and I applied my mind” (NAB); “All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto” (ASV); “All this I have seen and applied my mind to” (NASB); “All these things I observed; I noted” (NJPS) This verse is a pivot point: It closes the reflection on authority and human limitation (vv.2–8), And transitions into more meditations on injustice and God’s ultimate judgment (vv.10–14). and applied my mind (heart) to every deed that has been done under the sun (an idiom for “what happens in this world” or “on the earth”) wherein ("a time which") a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt Solomon deeply considered the conduct of people, especially the use of power. Solomon is analyzing life from a human vantage point, noting patterns of injustice and futility in worldly systems. Human authority is often misused—either oppressing others, or ultimately harming the abuser himself. NET NOTE on exercised authority - The verb שָׁלַט (shalat) denotes “to domineer; to dominate; to lord it over” (HALOT 1522 s.v. שׁלט; BDB 1020 s.v. שָׁלַט). The English versions have: “rule over” (KJV, YLT, Douay), “have power over” (NEB, ASV), “lord it over” (RSV, NIV), “have authority over” (NJPS), “exercise authority over” (NASB, NRSV); “have mastery over” (MLB); “tyrannize” (NAB)....TO HIS OWN HURT - Heb “a man exercises power over [another] man to his harm” [or “to his own harm”]. The 3rd person masculine singular singular pronominal suffix לוֹ (lo, “to his”) may refer to the antecedent אָדָם (’adam, “man” or “men”), being understood either in a singular sense (so NEB, RSV, NRSV, NAB, ASV, NASB) or in a collective sense (Moffatt, NJPS, NIV margin). However, the antecedent might be הָאָדם (ha’adam, “[one] man” = the king) with the suffix functioning reflexively: “to his own harm” (KJV, ASV margin, YLT, Douay, NIV). William Barrick - Solomon concludes this first section of Eccl 8 by referring to his pursuit of wisdom regarding life “under the sun” (Eccl 8: 9). He has given his mind to every deed performed in this life by which people might exercise authority over someone else for ill. This is the same issue he addresses in Eccl 7:20, 29+. Fallen humanity perverts the right ways of God. Men and women are sinners. They tend to use authority to perform evil against their fellow man. Fallen humanity cannot change, cannot deliver, cannot contravene the decrees of God, and cannot avoid death. The “wherein” of some translations (NASB) actually reads “a time which” (HCSB, NKJV) or “while” (NRSV). It is the same word occurring 29 times in Eccl 3 as well as Eccl 8:5 and Eccl 8:6. The duration of life “under the sun” constitutes a person’s “time” when he might utilize exercise authority. Swindoll summarizes five characteristics of a wise leader from Eccl 8:1–8: a clear mind (Eccl 8:1a), a cheerful disposition (Eccl 8:1b), a discreet mouth (Eccl 8:2–4), keen judgment (Eccl 8:5–7), and a humble spirit (Eccl 8:8).17 What about your spiritual journey? Is Solomon the only person to face his wisdom’s limitations? Does God expect only Solomon to model godly wisdom? (Ecclesiastes 8 Commentary) Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun - PRAYING FOR YOUR ENEMIES All this I saw, as I applied m y mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. Then too, I saw the wicked buried—those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 8:9-10 I suppose one of the hardest commands in the Bible to obey is the command of Jesus that we should pray for our enemies. It is hard because prayer is the last thing we want to do for our enemies. Mostly, there are a lot of things we would like to do to our enemies. I found some unexpected help in this area from the Book of Jeremiah. The background is this: King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had attacked Jerusalem and sent many of the people into exile. It was a humiliating experience for the people of God. Not all of the Jews were taken to Babylon. Jeremiah was one of those who were left behind. He records a letter he sent from Jerusalem to the exiles in Babylon in order to encourage them. His words contain this message from the Lord: "Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper" (Jeremiah 29:7). God's Word is very simple: I put you in Babylon for a purpose. Although I know you are humiliated, discouraged, and angry, do not despair. And pray for the prosperity of Babylon. Read that last phrase of verse 7 very carefully: "If it prospers, you too will prosper." Many who read these words find themselves caught in a bad situation at work, or at school, or at home. Someone has hurt you deeply, and it's all you can do not to strike back. With all your energy, you barely hold back the bitterness. And some of it sloshes over the top now and then. You couldn't pray for your enemies if your life depended on it. But God says to do it anyway. That's the whole point of Jeremiah 29. Every time we are faced with people who mistreat us, we have three options: 1. We can hate them with total hatred; that accomplishes nothing. 2. We can struggle to hold back our anger; that will emotionally exhaust us. 3. We can pray for God to bless them; that opens the door for God to bless us as well. So here's a new reason to pray for your enemies. Your blessing depends on their prosperity. Father, thank You for making m y enemies a channel of blessing to me. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT Who are your "enemies"? Have you prayed for those enemies recently? Did you pray for them or against them? MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Genesis 39:1-5; Matthew 5:43-48; and Romans 12:17-21. Ecclesiastes 8:10 So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. KJV Ecclesiastes 8:10 And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity. NKJ Ecclesiastes 8:10 Then I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of holiness, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done. This also is vanity. NET Ecclesiastes 8:10 Not only that, but I have seen the wicked approaching and entering the temple, and as they left the holy temple, they boasted in the city that they had done so. This also is an enigma. BGT Ecclesiastes 8:10 καὶ τότε εἶδον ἀσεβεῖς εἰς τάφους εἰσαχθέντας καὶ ἐκ τόπου ἁγίου ἐπορεύθησαν καὶ ἐπῃνέθησαν ἐν τῇ πόλει ὅτι οὕτως ἐποίησαν καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης LXE Ecclesiastes 8:10 And then I saw the ungodly carried into the tombs, and that out of the holy place: and they departed, and were praised in the city, because they had done thus: this also is vanity. CSB Ecclesiastes 8:10 In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did so. This too is futile. ESV Ecclesiastes 8:10 Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity. NIV Ecclesiastes 8:10 Then too, I saw the wicked buried--those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless. NLT Ecclesiastes 8:10 I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are now praised in the same city where they committed their crimes! This, too, is meaningless. YLT Ecclesiastes 8:10 And so I have seen the wicked buried, and they went in, even from the Holy Place they go, and they are forgotten in the city whether they had so done. This also is vanity. NJB Ecclesiastes 8:10 And again, I have observed the wicked carried to their graves, and people leaving the holy place and, once out in the city, forgetting how the wicked used to behave; how futile this is too! NRS Ecclesiastes 8:10 Then I saw the wicked buried; they used to go in and out of the holy place, and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity. NAB Ecclesiastes 8:10 Meanwhile I saw wicked men approach and enter; and as they left the sacred place, they were praised in the city for what they had done. This also is vanity. GWN Ecclesiastes 8:10 Then I saw wicked people given an honorable burial. They used to go in and out of the holy place. They were praised in the city for doing such things. Even this is pointless. BBE Ecclesiastes 8:10 And then I saw evil men put to rest, taken even from the holy place; and they went about and were praised in the town because of what they had done. This again is to no purpose. RSV Ecclesiastes 8:10 Then I saw the wicked buried; they used to go in and out of the holy place, and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity. so: 2Ki 9:34,35 Job 21:18,32,33 Lu 16:22 place: Ps 122:1-5 Ac 6:13 they: Ec 2:16 9:5 Ps 31:12 Pr 10:7 Jer 17:13 Heb 10:38 THE FUNERAL OF THE HYPOCRITICAL WICKED So then I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place (the Temple), and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. - Note there is a major difference in translations (see above) with some translating it as "forgotten" (NAS, KJV) and most translating it as "praised" (ESV, RSV, NIV, NLT, etc) (See Technical Note below). Wicked people died not in disgrace, but rather receive respectable funerals as though they had lived honorably and many versions say they were praised in the city! These were religious hypocrites who frequented the temple, appearing pious, but living wickedly and yet they were buried with honor, as though their sin had no consequence. In the city where they did thus - ESV - "were praised in the city where they had done such things." However the ESV does have a marginal note which says "Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts forgotten." These hypocrites were publicly known in the city, yet they were either honored despite their actions or (if you favor the NAS translation) they were quickly forgotten, both of which are disturbing reversals of expected justice. I like the comment by Philip G Ryken - Sometimes kind words are spoken at the funerals of evil people, but we can only interpret Ecclesiastes this way if we amend the text. It is much more likely that we should read the verse the way it reads in most manuscripts, which is also the way it is translated in the note for the English Standard Version: the wicked "were forgotten in the city." Solomon said something similar in the book of Proverbs: "The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot" (Pr 10:7). This is part of the perspective that death brings. Although wicked people are prominent in the city, and sometimes even in the church, when they are dead they will be forgotten. (See Ecclesiastes: Why Everything Matters) Daniel Akin - Sometimes the pain caused by an unjust ruler is intensified by the fact that people remember him in a way that ignores his heinous actions. "The wicked are praised in life and eulogized in death in the very cities where they practiced their injustices (8:10). It is one thing to observe the terms of the ancient maxim, De mortuis nil nisi bonum (“Say nothing but what is good of the dead”), but quite another to canonize an utter reprobate as if he were as pure as the driven snow! Injustice at this level also tests faith and tempts us to think that there may be no justice in the universe after all (Keddie, 109)." (See Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ecclesiastes) This too is futility (hebel; Lxx - mataiotes - emptiness, nothingness, purposelessness) It is frustratingly unjust that wicked people appear religious, receive honor in death, and are either celebrated or ignored. Solomon calls this hebel a distortion of what should be. John