2:1
Ecclesiastes 2:1 HCSB I said to myself, "Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure and enjoy what is good." But it turned out to be futile.
I will test. Qoheleth decided to follow a systematic sociological experiment. While some of his pursuits were healthy, others were actually sinful. Whether wholesome or not however, all were found to be ultimately useless when left “under the sun.” Nothing, when pursued as an end in itself, is worthwhile to an immortal soul designed to worship and enjoy God.
Test you with pleasure. Many probably think “Oh dear God, test me similarly.” Yet, pleasure truly is a challenging test. More men have stumbled over plenty than ever have over want.
I will test. Qoheleth decided to follow a systematic sociological experiment. While some of his pursuits were healthy, others were actually sinful. Whether wholesome or not however, all were found to be ultimately useless when left “under the sun.” Nothing, when pursued as an end in itself, is worthwhile to an immortal soul designed to worship and enjoy God.
Test you with pleasure. Many probably think “Oh dear God, test me similarly.” Yet, pleasure truly is a challenging test. More men have stumbled over plenty than ever have over want.
- Matthew 19:24 HCSB Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
2:2
Ecclesiastes 2:2 HCSB I said about laughter, "It is madness," and about pleasure, "What does this accomplish?"
Laughter…madness. Laughter is a reaction to the ironic. It is often the most appropriate response to our foolishness, weakness, and complete inability to control our circumstances. I have noticed that the sense of humor of those who are limited by their inability to acknowledge God is usually tragically handicapped. They take themselves way too seriously and they look at anyone who possesses joy as “mad”.
Laughter…madness. Laughter is a reaction to the ironic. It is often the most appropriate response to our foolishness, weakness, and complete inability to control our circumstances. I have noticed that the sense of humor of those who are limited by their inability to acknowledge God is usually tragically handicapped. They take themselves way too seriously and they look at anyone who possesses joy as “mad”.
2:3
Ecclesiastes 2:3 HCSB I explored with my mind how to let my body enjoy life with wine and how to grasp folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom--until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
Explored with my mind. Qoheleth makes one of the oldest references to thought experiments; devices that allow us to explore environments or situations normally unattainable.
How to grasp folly…guided by wisdom. Qoheleth observed the lives of fools and the results of their folly. He then applied the learned principles in the reverse. In other words, we can learn from anyone – even a drunk lying in his own vomit in the gutter. We can learn, “Don’t allow alcohol to be your master.” This is in keeping with the book of Proverbs’ teaching that Wisdom can be found on the hill tops, in the city gates, in the doorways, in the streets and in the market place, constantly plucking at our sleeve and saying “you fool, when will you learn of me?”
Explored with my mind. Qoheleth makes one of the oldest references to thought experiments; devices that allow us to explore environments or situations normally unattainable.
How to grasp folly…guided by wisdom. Qoheleth observed the lives of fools and the results of their folly. He then applied the learned principles in the reverse. In other words, we can learn from anyone – even a drunk lying in his own vomit in the gutter. We can learn, “Don’t allow alcohol to be your master.” This is in keeping with the book of Proverbs’ teaching that Wisdom can be found on the hill tops, in the city gates, in the doorways, in the streets and in the market place, constantly plucking at our sleeve and saying “you fool, when will you learn of me?”
2:4-6
Ecclesiastes 2:4-6 HCSB I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. (5) I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. (6) I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.
I built. Solomon built many wonderful things (1 Kings 3-11), most of which would be lost or ruined within seventeen years of his death. Truly, the Holy Spirit inspired him to speak the truth when he penned:
This book is a sober warning to anyone thinking of building a family, a company, or a nation while excluding God from the equation.
Gardens and parks. Though there is no other biblical attestation to Solomon’s botanical explorations, it was not unusual for a Middle-Eastern monarch. Remember Babylon’s Hanging Gardens? Moreover, it was not unusual for such things in Jerusalem specifically. In 2010, archeologists[1] working at the Ramat Rachel dig near Jerusalem discovered a 7th century BC garden. The garden featured stone carved gutters, open channels, closed tunnels, and the framework of a waterfall.
[1] Including researchers from Tel Aviv University led by the professor of Jewish History Oded Lipschits and staff from the German Heidelberg University.
I built. Solomon built many wonderful things (1 Kings 3-11), most of which would be lost or ruined within seventeen years of his death. Truly, the Holy Spirit inspired him to speak the truth when he penned:
- Psalms 127:1 HCSB A Solomonic song of ascents. Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.
This book is a sober warning to anyone thinking of building a family, a company, or a nation while excluding God from the equation.
Gardens and parks. Though there is no other biblical attestation to Solomon’s botanical explorations, it was not unusual for a Middle-Eastern monarch. Remember Babylon’s Hanging Gardens? Moreover, it was not unusual for such things in Jerusalem specifically. In 2010, archeologists[1] working at the Ramat Rachel dig near Jerusalem discovered a 7th century BC garden. The garden featured stone carved gutters, open channels, closed tunnels, and the framework of a waterfall.
[1] Including researchers from Tel Aviv University led by the professor of Jewish History Oded Lipschits and staff from the German Heidelberg University.
2:7
Ecclesiastes 2:7 HCSB I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.
Many herds. Solomon’s herds were famous (1 Kings 4:23).
Many herds. Solomon’s herds were famous (1 Kings 4:23).
2:8
Ecclesiastes 2:8 HCSB I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men.
I amassed. Solomon was known for his tremendous wealth (1 Kings 10:10, 14-27; 2 Chronicles 9:22-27).
Many concubines. Unfortunately, Solomon’s many women were more than simply political tools of convenience. He was besotted by them (1 Kings 11:1-2) and contravened Hashem’s injunction to not intermarry with Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women. In the end, he had 700 noble wives and 300 concubines and these turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:3-10).
Delights of men. Qoheleth is being very honest. Sin does indeed bring pleasure…for a time. Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death (James 1:14-15).
I amassed. Solomon was known for his tremendous wealth (1 Kings 10:10, 14-27; 2 Chronicles 9:22-27).
Many concubines. Unfortunately, Solomon’s many women were more than simply political tools of convenience. He was besotted by them (1 Kings 11:1-2) and contravened Hashem’s injunction to not intermarry with Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women. In the end, he had 700 noble wives and 300 concubines and these turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:3-10).
Delights of men. Qoheleth is being very honest. Sin does indeed bring pleasure…for a time. Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death (James 1:14-15).
2:9
Reconstruction of ancient Jerusalem; David Castle Museum
Ecclesiastes 2:9 HCSB Thus, I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me.
All who were before me. See note on 1:16
In Jerusalem. Jerusalem, though ancient even in Solomon’s day, had only recently risen to a new height as a political and religious center. Jerusalem began as a small settlement near the Gihon Spring over 4,000 years ago, around 3,500 BC. The Gihon Spring was one of only two important sources of water in the area. The original area, often referred to as Zion, upon which the first citadel was built later became the “temple mount”. Its original name was Salem (Genesis 14:18).
Zion is specifically the southeastern hill of Jerusalem. That Mt. Zion is specifically this southeastern hill can be seen lexically by the following:
1. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought from the city of David to the Temple is was brought “up” (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Chronicles 5:2)
2. When Pharaoh’s daughter went from the city of David to the house Solomon had prepared for her she against went “up” (1 Kings 9:24) and that location was adjacent to the Temple.
There is nowhere else on this mountainous ridge that can be said to be “up” from the City of David.
Further, Hezekiah’s Siloam tunnel that brought water from Gihon to the pool went from Gihon down the western side of the city of David (2 Chronicles 32:30). This ridge has the only known spring which once was called Gihon. Isolated on three sides by steep valleys and its own water source made an ideal refuge. Though it may seem small to us, back in the day, it was the perfect size for a fortified community. Archeologists Macalister and G.A. Smith have determined that the original wall had a circumference of some 4, 250 feet, giving it an area of around 60 acres.
Archeological findings by Mr. Warren, Professor Guthe, and Captain Parker demonstrate the extreme antiquity of human presence on Mt. Zion. In fact, no other part of Jerusalem has as much or as old pottery been discovered.
I believe the Son, as a theophany, founded the original citadel (Genesis 14:18-23; Isaiah 14:32; 22:9-11). I believe Melchizedek to be a theophany (a pre-existing form of Christ). In those days, the king of a city/state was the one who founded the city, as wicked Nimrod was the founding king of evil Babylon, so righteous Melchizedek founded holy Salem (ur u salem – the city of peace). If that is so, it would indicate that Jesus has a long-standing interest in Mount Zion and loved it so much that He founded His capital city on it.
When complaining of Jerusalem’s traitorous ways, Hashem makes the following metaphorical allusion.
To be king of Jerusalem is a phenomenal privilege since out of all the tribes and places in Israel, Hashem prefers Mount Zion and Judah (Psalm 48:1-2; 78:67-68; 87:2). He has determined to live there (Psalm 74:2; 76:1-2; 132:13-14; Isaiah 8:18; Joel 3:21) and to put His name there (Deuteronomy 12:4-5, 11; 2 Chronicles 6:5-6; 12:13).
David captured the city from the Jebusites around 1,000 BC (Genesis 10:6-20; 2 Samuel 5-6) and established it as his capital, thus unifying the country by selecting a city that strategically located between the then-feuding tribes.
Solomon grew the city toward the north and added a palace and a temple to the Lord on the eastern hill. Some 250 years later, King Hezekiah (727-688 BC) added the western hill. The Babylonians left Jerusalem a smoldering ruin and enslaved a huge portion of its most prominent citizens in 586 BC. It took another 450 years and the charisma of the Maccabean kings (140-163 BC) to re-establish Jerusalem as an important political and economic center again.
Antiochus IV of Syria came to rule Jerusalem. His true madness became apparent to all. In 168 BC, He marched his Syrian army into Jerusalem and slaughtered everyone they could find. He killed over 80,000 men, women, and children. His men pursued and killed anyone who tried to flee to the hills. He sold thousands of families into slavery, around 40,000 individuals all told. They left only those who had clearly shown their loyalty to Antiochus’ plans for many years.
Antiochus ordered that there no longer be a Sabbath; that the holy days no longer be observed. They were instead replaced with drunken Bacchanalias. He also forced the Jews to observe the festival of Saturnalia. Seneca (a Romans philosopher, statesman, and dramatist) complained during a Saturnalian feast that the "whole mob has let itself go in pleasures" (Epistles, XVIII.3).
Worse, on Kislev 25, 168 BC (December), he placed a statue of Jupiter/Zeus/Antiochus in the Beit ha Mikdash above the altar of God (1 Macc 1:54, 59). He brought in a detestable pig and had it sacrificed on the altar, desecrating it. He destroyed every copy of the Scriptures he could find and killed whoever was discovered having a copy in their possession. He tortured anyone who failed to immediately renounce Judaism. The penalty for circumcision became death. Antiochus killed two mothers who had circumcised their children in defiance of the law. He also cut out the tongues of a mother’s seven sons and after that had each of them roasted alive on a flat iron (2 Macc. vii. 3-5). After being forced to watch this horrible sight, the mother was in turn murdered.
The Book of Maccabees states that this action "left the Jewish people desolate" and led to the Maccabaean revolt.In the Messiah’s days the city encompassed about 200 acres and that included around forty thousand people.
After gaining control of Jerusalem, the Romans put Herod in charge around 37 BC. In an effort to garner favor, Herod rebuilt Solomon’s temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonians, and rebuilt to a certain extent by Nehemiah.
The Jewish people revolted against the Romans and were completely crushed. The Roman general Titus’ army destroyed Herod’s temple and much of the city. After yet another revolt, the Romans deliberately built a temple to the false god Jupiter on the Temple Mount and forbade entry to the city to anyone of Jewish descent.
Shortly before His crucifixion, the Messiah predicted,
Exactly as He predicted, the great Diaspora occurred. Further, over the centuries, many goyim have controlled Jerusalem: Byzantines, Muslims, Latin Christians, Ottoman Turks, the British. Finally, in 1948, the Hebrew people were able to return to Canaan, reclaim their birth right and regain control of much of Jerusalem.
I think that it’s important to remember that the very next thing to happen after the times of the Gentile control of Jerusalem ends is:
My wisdom remained with me. Really? We have the advantage of hindsight and know that this was not necessarily the case. It depends on what kind of wisdom you’re talking about. If you mean “wisdom under the sun” then by all means, Solomon remained brilliant and knowledgeable to the very end. If you mean godly, Spirit-driven wisdom, then not so much.
All who were before me. See note on 1:16
In Jerusalem. Jerusalem, though ancient even in Solomon’s day, had only recently risen to a new height as a political and religious center. Jerusalem began as a small settlement near the Gihon Spring over 4,000 years ago, around 3,500 BC. The Gihon Spring was one of only two important sources of water in the area. The original area, often referred to as Zion, upon which the first citadel was built later became the “temple mount”. Its original name was Salem (Genesis 14:18).
Zion is specifically the southeastern hill of Jerusalem. That Mt. Zion is specifically this southeastern hill can be seen lexically by the following:
1. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought from the city of David to the Temple is was brought “up” (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Chronicles 5:2)
2. When Pharaoh’s daughter went from the city of David to the house Solomon had prepared for her she against went “up” (1 Kings 9:24) and that location was adjacent to the Temple.
There is nowhere else on this mountainous ridge that can be said to be “up” from the City of David.
Further, Hezekiah’s Siloam tunnel that brought water from Gihon to the pool went from Gihon down the western side of the city of David (2 Chronicles 32:30). This ridge has the only known spring which once was called Gihon. Isolated on three sides by steep valleys and its own water source made an ideal refuge. Though it may seem small to us, back in the day, it was the perfect size for a fortified community. Archeologists Macalister and G.A. Smith have determined that the original wall had a circumference of some 4, 250 feet, giving it an area of around 60 acres.
Archeological findings by Mr. Warren, Professor Guthe, and Captain Parker demonstrate the extreme antiquity of human presence on Mt. Zion. In fact, no other part of Jerusalem has as much or as old pottery been discovered.
I believe the Son, as a theophany, founded the original citadel (Genesis 14:18-23; Isaiah 14:32; 22:9-11). I believe Melchizedek to be a theophany (a pre-existing form of Christ). In those days, the king of a city/state was the one who founded the city, as wicked Nimrod was the founding king of evil Babylon, so righteous Melchizedek founded holy Salem (ur u salem – the city of peace). If that is so, it would indicate that Jesus has a long-standing interest in Mount Zion and loved it so much that He founded His capital city on it.
When complaining of Jerusalem’s traitorous ways, Hashem makes the following metaphorical allusion.
- Isaiah 5:1-2 HCSB I will sing about the one I love, a song about my loved one's vineyard: The one I love had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. (2) He broke up the soil, cleared it of stones, and planted it with the finest vines. He built a tower in the middle of it and even hewed out a winepress there. He expected it to yield good grapes, but it yielded worthless grapes.
To be king of Jerusalem is a phenomenal privilege since out of all the tribes and places in Israel, Hashem prefers Mount Zion and Judah (Psalm 48:1-2; 78:67-68; 87:2). He has determined to live there (Psalm 74:2; 76:1-2; 132:13-14; Isaiah 8:18; Joel 3:21) and to put His name there (Deuteronomy 12:4-5, 11; 2 Chronicles 6:5-6; 12:13).
David captured the city from the Jebusites around 1,000 BC (Genesis 10:6-20; 2 Samuel 5-6) and established it as his capital, thus unifying the country by selecting a city that strategically located between the then-feuding tribes.
Solomon grew the city toward the north and added a palace and a temple to the Lord on the eastern hill. Some 250 years later, King Hezekiah (727-688 BC) added the western hill. The Babylonians left Jerusalem a smoldering ruin and enslaved a huge portion of its most prominent citizens in 586 BC. It took another 450 years and the charisma of the Maccabean kings (140-163 BC) to re-establish Jerusalem as an important political and economic center again.
Antiochus IV of Syria came to rule Jerusalem. His true madness became apparent to all. In 168 BC, He marched his Syrian army into Jerusalem and slaughtered everyone they could find. He killed over 80,000 men, women, and children. His men pursued and killed anyone who tried to flee to the hills. He sold thousands of families into slavery, around 40,000 individuals all told. They left only those who had clearly shown their loyalty to Antiochus’ plans for many years.
Antiochus ordered that there no longer be a Sabbath; that the holy days no longer be observed. They were instead replaced with drunken Bacchanalias. He also forced the Jews to observe the festival of Saturnalia. Seneca (a Romans philosopher, statesman, and dramatist) complained during a Saturnalian feast that the "whole mob has let itself go in pleasures" (Epistles, XVIII.3).
Worse, on Kislev 25, 168 BC (December), he placed a statue of Jupiter/Zeus/Antiochus in the Beit ha Mikdash above the altar of God (1 Macc 1:54, 59). He brought in a detestable pig and had it sacrificed on the altar, desecrating it. He destroyed every copy of the Scriptures he could find and killed whoever was discovered having a copy in their possession. He tortured anyone who failed to immediately renounce Judaism. The penalty for circumcision became death. Antiochus killed two mothers who had circumcised their children in defiance of the law. He also cut out the tongues of a mother’s seven sons and after that had each of them roasted alive on a flat iron (2 Macc. vii. 3-5). After being forced to watch this horrible sight, the mother was in turn murdered.
The Book of Maccabees states that this action "left the Jewish people desolate" and led to the Maccabaean revolt.In the Messiah’s days the city encompassed about 200 acres and that included around forty thousand people.
After gaining control of Jerusalem, the Romans put Herod in charge around 37 BC. In an effort to garner favor, Herod rebuilt Solomon’s temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonians, and rebuilt to a certain extent by Nehemiah.
The Jewish people revolted against the Romans and were completely crushed. The Roman general Titus’ army destroyed Herod’s temple and much of the city. After yet another revolt, the Romans deliberately built a temple to the false god Jupiter on the Temple Mount and forbade entry to the city to anyone of Jewish descent.
Shortly before His crucifixion, the Messiah predicted,
- Luke 21:24 HCSB They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Exactly as He predicted, the great Diaspora occurred. Further, over the centuries, many goyim have controlled Jerusalem: Byzantines, Muslims, Latin Christians, Ottoman Turks, the British. Finally, in 1948, the Hebrew people were able to return to Canaan, reclaim their birth right and regain control of much of Jerusalem.
I think that it’s important to remember that the very next thing to happen after the times of the Gentile control of Jerusalem ends is:
- Luke 21:25-27 HCSB "Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves. (26) People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken. (27) Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
My wisdom remained with me. Really? We have the advantage of hindsight and know that this was not necessarily the case. It depends on what kind of wisdom you’re talking about. If you mean “wisdom under the sun” then by all means, Solomon remained brilliant and knowledgeable to the very end. If you mean godly, Spirit-driven wisdom, then not so much.
2:10
Jacob's Ladder by William Blake
Ecclesiastes 2:10 HCSB All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles.
My reward. The term here is “ch’elek”[2]. It can mean an allotted sum as in a warrior’s portion of the spoils of war.[3] But as all these things do, ch’elekim provide at best only a temporary thrill. The reason is because Yahweh is our true ch’elek.
In Genesis 15, Elohim made a wonderful promise to Abram:
The world offers its own glittering ch'elekim which dazzle the eyes of the simple but they are as designed to delude as they are to delight. Even heaven itself is not our true reward.
[2] See also 2:10; 3:22; 5:18; 9:6, 9
[3] Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 30:24
My reward. The term here is “ch’elek”[2]. It can mean an allotted sum as in a warrior’s portion of the spoils of war.[3] But as all these things do, ch’elekim provide at best only a temporary thrill. The reason is because Yahweh is our true ch’elek.
- Jeremiah 10:15-16 (see also 51:18-19) HCSB They are worthless, a work to be mocked. At the time of their punishment they will be destroyed. (16) Jacob's Portion is not like these because He is the One who formed all things. Israel is the tribe of His inheritance; the LORD of Hosts is His name.
- Psalms 16:5 HCSB LORD, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future.
- Psalms 142:5 HCSB I cry to You, LORD; I say, "You are my shelter, my portion in the land of the living."
In Genesis 15, Elohim made a wonderful promise to Abram:
- Genesis 15:1 HCSB After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.
The world offers its own glittering ch'elekim which dazzle the eyes of the simple but they are as designed to delude as they are to delight. Even heaven itself is not our true reward.
- Psalms 73:25 HCSB Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.
[2] See also 2:10; 3:22; 5:18; 9:6, 9
[3] Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 30:24
2:11
Ecclesiastes 2:11 HCSB When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.
I considered all I had accomplished…futile…pursuit of the wind…nothing gained. The difficulty many people have is that they never reach this point in their lives. They go on climbing the ladders to success or pursuing whatever their hearts desire, without ever putting God in the proper place. They come to their death beds never having realized how foolish and useless their lives were. The Apostle Paul looked back at his old, “under the sun” life and came to the very same realization.
Counter intuitively, this conclusion is not in the least depressing. It would be like regarding the former contents of our wallets after discovering a million dollar stash. The devaluation of our former worth pales in contrast to what we have found. As the Master described it:
I considered all I had accomplished…futile…pursuit of the wind…nothing gained. The difficulty many people have is that they never reach this point in their lives. They go on climbing the ladders to success or pursuing whatever their hearts desire, without ever putting God in the proper place. They come to their death beds never having realized how foolish and useless their lives were. The Apostle Paul looked back at his old, “under the sun” life and came to the very same realization.
- Philippians 3:7-8 HCSB But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. (8) More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ
Counter intuitively, this conclusion is not in the least depressing. It would be like regarding the former contents of our wallets after discovering a million dollar stash. The devaluation of our former worth pales in contrast to what we have found. As the Master described it:
- Matthew 13:44-46 HCSB "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. (45) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. (46) When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it.
2:12
Rehoboam's Arrogance by Hans Holbein
Ecclesiastes 2:12 HCSB Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the man be like who comes after the king? He will do what has already been done.
Consider wisdom, madness, and folly. Now Qoheleth turns to the second experiment – is there any real advantage that wisdom holds over folly? Qoheleth discovers (as must each of us) that wisdom carries short-term advantages yet in the face of world events or eventual death, is of no more use than folly (3:19-20; 6:6; 9:2). The wise, the mad, and the foolish all end up in Sheol (2:14) and don’t really contribute much in the grand scheme of things (2:16). More will be said on the matter in the commentary on verse 13.
Who comes after the king? The next king was Solomon’s son Rehoboam (1 Kings 11:43; 12 and 14:21-31; also 2 Chronicles 10-12). He was a foolish and arrogant man who quickly led Israel to open civil war (932-931 BC) and was instrumental in bringing on the events that resulted in the Egyptian invasion led by Shishaq, king of Egypt. When besieged by Shishaq, Rehoboam gave the attacking kind all the treasures of the temple in tribute and agreed to make Judah a vassal state of Egypt. Essentially, everything Solomon built and amassed was gone less than 17 years after he died. Futility indeed!
Consider wisdom, madness, and folly. Now Qoheleth turns to the second experiment – is there any real advantage that wisdom holds over folly? Qoheleth discovers (as must each of us) that wisdom carries short-term advantages yet in the face of world events or eventual death, is of no more use than folly (3:19-20; 6:6; 9:2). The wise, the mad, and the foolish all end up in Sheol (2:14) and don’t really contribute much in the grand scheme of things (2:16). More will be said on the matter in the commentary on verse 13.
Who comes after the king? The next king was Solomon’s son Rehoboam (1 Kings 11:43; 12 and 14:21-31; also 2 Chronicles 10-12). He was a foolish and arrogant man who quickly led Israel to open civil war (932-931 BC) and was instrumental in bringing on the events that resulted in the Egyptian invasion led by Shishaq, king of Egypt. When besieged by Shishaq, Rehoboam gave the attacking kind all the treasures of the temple in tribute and agreed to make Judah a vassal state of Egypt. Essentially, everything Solomon built and amassed was gone less than 17 years after he died. Futility indeed!
2:13-16
Ecclesiastes 2:13-16 HCSB And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. (14) The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. (15) So I said to myself, "What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?" And I said to myself that this is also futile. (16) For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise man dies just like the fool?
Advantage to wisdom. Wisdom, even the “under the sun” variety, does have some limited value in the conduct of our daily lives (2:13f; 9:13-16). Its main advantage lies in the ability to avoid the dangers of extremism (7:16; 8:2-6).
Wise man has eyes. Human wisdom provides the temporary advantage of finding or observing (ra’ah) yet does not protect from enduring the same ultimate fate (mikreh “happening” see also 3:19-20; 9:2; 3:11) as the fool.
One fate. Mikreh is very important to grasp if we are to understand the approach Qoheleth takes in his thought experiments. Mikreh must be understood as “random chance”. (1 Samuel 6:9; 20:26; Ruth 2:3) Even the wise are subject to the chaotic vagaries of this universe. In these three verses, Qoheleth teaches that while wisdom can provide insight into the world and eyes to see coming problems and even the ability to avoid many of them that the fool lacks, random accidents happen and there is simply nothing wisdom can do against that.
Yet I also knew that one fate comes. Unfortunately, worldly wisdom is sadly lacking in its ability to explain life’s ultimate meaning and God’s divine purpose in our varying circumstances.
Advantage to wisdom. Wisdom, even the “under the sun” variety, does have some limited value in the conduct of our daily lives (2:13f; 9:13-16). Its main advantage lies in the ability to avoid the dangers of extremism (7:16; 8:2-6).
Wise man has eyes. Human wisdom provides the temporary advantage of finding or observing (ra’ah) yet does not protect from enduring the same ultimate fate (mikreh “happening” see also 3:19-20; 9:2; 3:11) as the fool.
One fate. Mikreh is very important to grasp if we are to understand the approach Qoheleth takes in his thought experiments. Mikreh must be understood as “random chance”. (1 Samuel 6:9; 20:26; Ruth 2:3) Even the wise are subject to the chaotic vagaries of this universe. In these three verses, Qoheleth teaches that while wisdom can provide insight into the world and eyes to see coming problems and even the ability to avoid many of them that the fool lacks, random accidents happen and there is simply nothing wisdom can do against that.
Yet I also knew that one fate comes. Unfortunately, worldly wisdom is sadly lacking in its ability to explain life’s ultimate meaning and God’s divine purpose in our varying circumstances.
2:17-20
Ecclesiastes 2:17-20 HCSB Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. (18) I hated all my work at which I labored under the sun because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. (19) And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. (20) So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work I had labored at under the sun.
Who knows? See notes on “who comes after the king” in v. 12.
I began to give myself over to despair. This is a common pattern among the intelligent. They quickly realize that ultimately everything, every nation, the planet, even the universe itself, will come to an end. There doesn’t seem to be a point. He seems particularly focused on the inevitability of death and the blank ignorance of what happens once one crosses that line (3:19-21; 9:4ff; 10). In his mind he correlates death with darkness and only grants limited value to that which is done in the light of the sun (11:7-9). As he keeps his mind firmly limited to this life, and honestly acknowledges his ignorance of what happens after death, the affairs of this present life become more pressing – more urgent. As the Apostle Paul said,
Further, contrary to the prevailing “health and wealth” theology that existed even then, wisdom, knowledge, power, and wealth should have been signs of God’s favor. Qoheleth found to his amazement and despair that none of these matter in regards to gaining eternal life.
So, am I saying that there is no point to being good? Not at all!
Just because salvation comes by grace does not mean that good works are meaningless.
It is that they only become meaningful when done in obedience to God and for His glory.
Who knows? See notes on “who comes after the king” in v. 12.
I began to give myself over to despair. This is a common pattern among the intelligent. They quickly realize that ultimately everything, every nation, the planet, even the universe itself, will come to an end. There doesn’t seem to be a point. He seems particularly focused on the inevitability of death and the blank ignorance of what happens once one crosses that line (3:19-21; 9:4ff; 10). In his mind he correlates death with darkness and only grants limited value to that which is done in the light of the sun (11:7-9). As he keeps his mind firmly limited to this life, and honestly acknowledges his ignorance of what happens after death, the affairs of this present life become more pressing – more urgent. As the Apostle Paul said,
- Ephesians 5:15-17 HCSB Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk--not as unwise people but as wise-- (16) making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (17) So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Further, contrary to the prevailing “health and wealth” theology that existed even then, wisdom, knowledge, power, and wealth should have been signs of God’s favor. Qoheleth found to his amazement and despair that none of these matter in regards to gaining eternal life.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 HCSB For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift-- (9) not from works, so that no one can boast.
So, am I saying that there is no point to being good? Not at all!
- Romans 6:1-2 HCSB What should we say then? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may multiply? (2) Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
Just because salvation comes by grace does not mean that good works are meaningless.
- Ephesians 2:10 HCSB For we are His creation--created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
It is that they only become meaningful when done in obedience to God and for His glory.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 HCSB When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. (14) For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
2:21
Ecclesiastes 2:21 HCSB For there is a man whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, but he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it. This too is futile and a great wrong.
Done with wisdom, knowledge and skill. It doesn’t matter how well the job is done. This is particularly hard to hear for those who take great pains to do their best. To work long and hard and to be told it’s meaningless is not welcome. It is important to get the whole message out. Our best may be meaningless UNLESS…unless it is done for God; unless it has His glory and His kingdom in mind. Herein lies the importance of kavanah (intention).
There is nothing wrong in working hard and providing for our families. We simply need to realize that there are greater issues involved and keep them in mind as we go about our daily affairs.
Portion. This portion (helek) is given by God but does not always seem to come equally. Good people don’t always get good things and wicked people don’t always get their comeuppances. God’s helekim seem arbitrary.
A great wrong. One man does all the work and another man reaps the benefits? That doesn’t seem fair! Millions of common citizens labor and pay their taxes then government takes their hard-earned money and bails out millionaires whose unreasonable greed led them to take unnecessary risks? Does that seem right? It doesn’t and it usually isn’t. This world is filled with many examples of such injustices. While we should do our part to right what injustices we can, we must recognize that there will be fools and wicked people in every generation and that injustice will never end so long as sin is allowed to continue in the human heart. Even when the King is on His throne in Zion for 1,000 years, some will choose to rebel. Though He will have transformed the planet into a paradise and substantially increased the human lifespan, some will rebel against their rightful King. That too is futile and a great wrong.
Done with wisdom, knowledge and skill. It doesn’t matter how well the job is done. This is particularly hard to hear for those who take great pains to do their best. To work long and hard and to be told it’s meaningless is not welcome. It is important to get the whole message out. Our best may be meaningless UNLESS…unless it is done for God; unless it has His glory and His kingdom in mind. Herein lies the importance of kavanah (intention).
There is nothing wrong in working hard and providing for our families. We simply need to realize that there are greater issues involved and keep them in mind as we go about our daily affairs.
Portion. This portion (helek) is given by God but does not always seem to come equally. Good people don’t always get good things and wicked people don’t always get their comeuppances. God’s helekim seem arbitrary.
A great wrong. One man does all the work and another man reaps the benefits? That doesn’t seem fair! Millions of common citizens labor and pay their taxes then government takes their hard-earned money and bails out millionaires whose unreasonable greed led them to take unnecessary risks? Does that seem right? It doesn’t and it usually isn’t. This world is filled with many examples of such injustices. While we should do our part to right what injustices we can, we must recognize that there will be fools and wicked people in every generation and that injustice will never end so long as sin is allowed to continue in the human heart. Even when the King is on His throne in Zion for 1,000 years, some will choose to rebel. Though He will have transformed the planet into a paradise and substantially increased the human lifespan, some will rebel against their rightful King. That too is futile and a great wrong.
2:22-23
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 HCSB For what does a man get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors with under the sun? (23) For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Days filled with grief. The language is superlative and intends that we understand the sum of all the days rather than a daily emotional burden.
Occupation sorrowful. This is in the sense that it soon becomes tiresome, boring, and we realize how unfulfilling it ultimately is.
At night his mind does not rest. Whether it is because of frustration or because of the party lifestyle or because the person is staying up late conniving new ways to accumulate, none of these are as restful and peaceful as simply abiding in Hashem's will.
Days filled with grief. The language is superlative and intends that we understand the sum of all the days rather than a daily emotional burden.
Occupation sorrowful. This is in the sense that it soon becomes tiresome, boring, and we realize how unfulfilling it ultimately is.
At night his mind does not rest. Whether it is because of frustration or because of the party lifestyle or because the person is staying up late conniving new ways to accumulate, none of these are as restful and peaceful as simply abiding in Hashem's will.
2:24
Ecclesiastes 2:24 HCSB There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and to enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God's hand.
Nothing better. This is one of Qoheleth’s main themes and it is repeated at 3:13; 5:18; and 9:7. Simple pleasures are truly a gift from God but may only really enjoyed in a lasting manner if He allows (9:1 cp Luke 12:19-21). We are encouraged to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind our own business, to work with our own hands, to walk properly in the presence of outsiders, and to not be dependent on anyone (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
As the blessing goes:
May you live life free; taking your time, going slowly.
May you do few things, but do them well.
And may you discover what few others do – that simple joys are most holy.
Even this is from God’s hand. Both the possession of material pleasures and the capacity to enjoy them is a divine gift (2:24f; 3:13; 8:15).
Nothing better. This is one of Qoheleth’s main themes and it is repeated at 3:13; 5:18; and 9:7. Simple pleasures are truly a gift from God but may only really enjoyed in a lasting manner if He allows (9:1 cp Luke 12:19-21). We are encouraged to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind our own business, to work with our own hands, to walk properly in the presence of outsiders, and to not be dependent on anyone (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
As the blessing goes:
May you live life free; taking your time, going slowly.
May you do few things, but do them well.
And may you discover what few others do – that simple joys are most holy.
Even this is from God’s hand. Both the possession of material pleasures and the capacity to enjoy them is a divine gift (2:24f; 3:13; 8:15).
- Philippians 2:13 HCSB For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good purpose.
- Hebrews 13:20-21 HCSB Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus--the great Shepherd of the sheep--with the blood of the everlasting covenant, (21) equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
2:25-26
Ecclesiastes 2:25-26 HCSB For who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from Him? (26) For to the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to the one who is pleasing in God's sight. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Give to the one who is pleasing. Qoheleth repeats a broad, general truism that can also be found elsewhere (Job 8:20; 27:16-17; Proverbs 13:22; 28:8). However, like all broad stroke statements, there are notable exceptions (7:15; 8:10-14; Job 9:22-24).
The task of gathering and accumulating. Qoheleth advocates enjoying our work and our simple pleasures for themselves and not for any long term advantages they may offer. We are to enjoy work without worrying about accumulating wealth or what will happen to what we have built after we are gone.
The rashaim get their focus on the money, the power, the lasting fame and they get their reward. In this, Qoheleth agrees perfectly with the rest of the Scriptures:
Give to the one who is pleasing. Qoheleth repeats a broad, general truism that can also be found elsewhere (Job 8:20; 27:16-17; Proverbs 13:22; 28:8). However, like all broad stroke statements, there are notable exceptions (7:15; 8:10-14; Job 9:22-24).
The task of gathering and accumulating. Qoheleth advocates enjoying our work and our simple pleasures for themselves and not for any long term advantages they may offer. We are to enjoy work without worrying about accumulating wealth or what will happen to what we have built after we are gone.
The rashaim get their focus on the money, the power, the lasting fame and they get their reward. In this, Qoheleth agrees perfectly with the rest of the Scriptures:
- Matthew 6:25 HCSB "This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing?
- Matthew 6:34 HCSB Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Luke 12:25-26 HCSB Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying? (26) If then you're not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?
- 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 HCSB …But we encourage you, brothers, to do so even more, (11) to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, (12) so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.
