I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend. I saw every work of GodThe phrase "I saw" indicates a personal observation and reflection by the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon. The Hebrew root for "saw" is "ra'ah," which implies not just seeing with the eyes but perceiving with understanding. "Every work of God" refers to the totality of God's creation and providence. This encompasses the vastness and complexity of the universe, which is beyond human comprehension. Theologically, this acknowledges God's sovereignty and the intricate design of His creation, which humans can observe but never fully understand. and I realized that no one can comprehend
The realization here is a moment of epiphany or understanding. The Hebrew word for "realized" is "yada," which means to know or perceive. This suggests a deep, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual assent. The phrase "no one can comprehend" underscores the limitations of human wisdom. Despite our best efforts, there are divine mysteries that remain beyond our grasp. This humbling truth calls believers to trust in God's wisdom rather than their own understanding. what happens under the sun
"Under the sun" is a recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes, symbolizing life on earth from a human perspective. It emphasizes the temporal and often perplexing nature of earthly existence. The phrase suggests that while we live in a world governed by God's eternal purposes, our perspective is limited to the here and now. This invites believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our understanding is partial and incomplete. Despite all his efforts to search it out
This phrase highlights the human endeavor to seek understanding and meaning. The Hebrew root for "search" is "baqash," which implies a diligent and earnest quest. It reflects the innate human desire to make sense of life's complexities. However, the verse acknowledges the futility of such efforts when it comes to fully grasping God's ways. This serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and reliance on divine revelation. man cannot discover its meaning
The inability to "discover" points to the limitations of human wisdom and intellect. The Hebrew word "matsa" means to find or attain. This suggests that despite our best efforts, the ultimate meaning of God's works remains elusive. This is a call to faith, encouraging believers to trust in God's purposes even when they are not fully understood. Even if the wise man claims to know
This phrase challenges the pretensions of human wisdom. The "wise man" represents those who are esteemed for their knowledge and understanding. Yet, even the wisest among us are limited in their comprehension of divine mysteries. This serves as a caution against pride and self-reliance, urging believers to seek wisdom from God, who alone is all-knowing. he is unable to comprehend
The final phrase reiterates the theme of human limitation. The Hebrew word for "comprehend" is "bin," which means to discern or understand. This underscores the gap between human and divine wisdom. It invites believers to embrace the mystery of God's ways, finding peace in the assurance that God's plans are perfect, even when they are beyond our understanding. This perspective fosters a deep trust in God's character and His sovereign will. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often explore the meaning of life and human limitations. 2. GodThe Creator and Sovereign of the universe, whose works and purposes are beyond full human understanding. 3. ManRepresents humanity in general, highlighting human limitations in understanding divine purposes. 4. Under the SunA phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth from a human perspective, often emphasizing the temporal and often perplexing nature of worldly experiences. 5. WisdomA central theme in Ecclesiastes, representing human attempts to understand life and its meaning, often contrasted with divine wisdom. Teaching Points Human LimitationsDespite our best efforts, we must acknowledge that our understanding of God's work is limited. This should lead us to humility and reliance on God rather than our own wisdom. The Pursuit of WisdomWhile wisdom is valuable, it has its limits. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and recognizes the boundaries of human understanding. Trust in God's SovereigntyEven when we cannot comprehend God's plans, we can trust in His sovereignty and goodness. This trust should lead to peace and contentment in our lives. The Mystery of LifeLife's complexities and mysteries should drive us to seek God more earnestly, knowing that He holds the answers we cannot find on our own. Living by FaithIn the face of uncertainty, we are called to live by faith, trusting that God is working all things for His glory and our good, even when we do not understand. Bible Study Questions 1. How does recognizing our limitations in understanding God's work affect our daily decision-making and priorities? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when faced with life's uncertainties? 3. How does the acknowledgment of life's mysteries influence our relationship with God and others? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our pursuit of wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Ecclesiastes 8:17 to encourage others who are struggling with understanding God's plans in their lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Job 11:7-9This passage echoes the theme of human inability to fully understand God's ways, emphasizing the vastness and depth of divine wisdom. Isaiah 55:8-9These verses highlight the difference between God's thoughts and ways and those of humans, reinforcing the idea that God's purposes are beyond human comprehension. Romans 11:33-34Paul reflects on the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, acknowledging that His judgments and ways are unsearchable. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Able, Beheld, Can't, Claims, Comprehend, Concluded, Considered, Despite, Discover, Efforts, Farther, Further, Gives, Goes, However, Labor, Laboriously, Labors, Labour, Meaning, Moreover, Really, Search, Seek, Seeking, Seems, Speak, Thinketh, Thinks, Though, Toil, Wise, Won't, Yea, Yes, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 8:17 1180 God, wisdom of Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 5441 philosophy Library Misused Respite
'Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil'--ECCLES. viii. 11. When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. Abject in his fear before Moses, he was ready to promise anything; insolent in his pride, he swallows down his promises as soon as fear is eased, his repentance and his retractation of it combined to add new weights about his neck. He was but a conspicuous example of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFive Fears
Now, you will notice that fear may be yoked into the service of God. True fear, not fearing, but believing, saves the soul; not doubt, but confidence, is the strength and the deliverance of the Christian. Still, fear, as being one of those powers which God hath given us, is not in itself sinful. Fear may be used for the most sinful purposes; at the same time it may be so ennobled by grace, and so used for the service of God, that it may become the very grandest part of man. In fact, Scripture has …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
We shall this morning want you, first of all, to walk with a living man; it is said of him that he did "come and go from the place of the holy:" next, I shall want you to attend his funeral, and then, in conclusion I shall ask you to assist in writing his epitaph--"and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this also is vanity." I. In the first place, HERE IS SOME GOOD COMPANY FOR YOU; some with whom you may walk to the house of God, for it is said of them, that they did come and …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Whether Christ Should have Been Circumcised?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been circumcised. For on the advent of the reality, the figure ceases. But circumcision was prescribed to Abraham as a sign of the covenant concerning his posterity, as may be seen from Gn. 17. Now this covenant was fulfilled in Christ's birth. Therefore circumcision should have ceased at once. Objection 2: Further, "every action of Christ is a lesson to us" [*Innoc. III, Serm. xxii de Temp.]; wherefore it is written (Jn. 3:15): "I have given …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether in Loving God we Ought to Observe any Mode?
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought to observe some mode in loving God. For the notion of good consists in mode, species and order, as Augustine states (De Nat. Boni iii, iv). Now the love of God is the best thing in man, according to Col. 3:14: "Above all . . . things, have charity." Therefore there ought to be a mode of the love of God. Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (De Morib. Eccl. viii): "Prithee, tell me which is the mode of love. For I fear lest I burn with the desire and love of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a Sedition in Cyrene, and was a False Accuser [Of the Innocent].
1. And now did the madness of the Sicarii, like a disease, reach as far as the cities of Cyrene; for one Jonathan, a vile person, and by trade a weaver, came thither and prevailed with no small number of the poorer sort to give ear to him; he also led them into the desert, upon promising them that he would show them signs and apparitions. And as for the other Jews of Cyrene, he concealed his knavery from them, and put tricks upon them; but those of the greatest dignity among them informed Catullus, …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 8:17 NIVEcclesiastes 8:17 NLTEcclesiastes 8:17 ESVEcclesiastes 8:17 NASBEcclesiastes 8:17 KJV
Ecclesiastes 8:17 Commentaries
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