Ecclesiastes 1:10 Study Bible: Is there a thing of which it may be said, "Look, this is new?" It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us.

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◄ Ecclesiastes 1:10 ►

Is there a case where one can say, "Look, this is new"? It has already existed in the ages before us.

Is there a case
This phrase invites the reader to consider the possibility of novelty. The Hebrew root here, "yesh," implies existence or presence. The rhetorical question challenges the reader to reflect on the nature of human experience and the cyclical patterns of life. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of time as cyclical rather than linear, a perspective that contrasts with modern views of progress and innovation.

where one can say
The act of speaking or declaring something as new is significant. In Hebrew culture, words held power and authority. The phrase suggests a communal or authoritative declaration, emphasizing the weight of such a claim. It invites the reader to consider the authority behind declarations of novelty and the wisdom required to discern truth.

Look, this is new
The word "new" in Hebrew, "chadash," implies freshness or something unprecedented. The Preacher, or Qoheleth, challenges the perception of novelty, suggesting that what appears new is often a repetition or variation of what has come before. This reflects a deep skepticism about human claims of innovation, urging humility and a recognition of the limits of human understanding.

It has already existed
This phrase underscores the theme of repetition and the cyclical nature of life. The Hebrew verb "hayah" indicates existence or being, suggesting that what is perceived as new has roots in the past. This challenges the reader to consider the continuity of human experience and the wisdom found in acknowledging historical patterns.

in the ages before us
The term "ages" translates from the Hebrew "olam," which can mean eternity or a long duration. This phrase situates human experience within a broader temporal context, emphasizing the vastness of history and the smallness of individual human life. It invites reflection on the enduring nature of human struggles and achievements, encouraging a perspective that values historical wisdom and continuity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the nature of life and human endeavors.

2. Jerusalem
- The central place of Solomon's reign and the spiritual heart of Israel, where much of his wisdom literature was likely composed or shared.

3. The Ages Before Us
- Refers to the historical continuum of human existence, emphasizing the repetitive nature of human experiences and endeavors.

Teaching Points

The Illusion of Novelty
Human nature often seeks novelty, yet Ecclesiastes reminds us that what seems new is often a repetition of past patterns. This can encourage humility and a deeper understanding of history.

God's Sovereignty Over Time
While human experiences may seem repetitive, God is sovereign over time and history. Trusting in His eternal plan can bring peace amidst life's cycles.

Contentment in the Present
Recognizing the repetitive nature of life can lead to contentment. Instead of constantly seeking the next new thing, we can find joy and purpose in the present moment.

Wisdom in Perspective
Ecclesiastes encourages us to gain wisdom by understanding the cyclical nature of life. This perspective can help us prioritize what truly matters, such as relationships and spiritual growth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of "nothing new under the sun" challenge our modern pursuit of innovation and progress?

2. In what ways can understanding the repetitive nature of life help us find contentment in our daily routines?

3. How does the idea of God's sovereignty over time provide comfort in a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable?

4. What are some examples from your own life where something that seemed new was actually a repetition of past experiences?

5. How can we balance the message of Ecclesiastes with the hope of newness and transformation found in other parts of Scripture, such as Isaiah 43:19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1-2
The creation account, where God establishes the world and its cycles, reflecting the idea that fundamental aspects of life have been set since the beginning.

Isaiah 43:19
While Ecclesiastes emphasizes the repetitive nature of life, Isaiah speaks of God doing a new thing, highlighting the tension between human perception and divine action.

2 Peter 3:4
Echoes the skepticism about change and newness, as people question the promise of Christ's return, similar to the questioning of novelty in Ecclesiastes.

Sermons

Life in the Light of Christ	T. C. Finlayson.	Ecclesiastes 1:10
Something New	T. M. Morris.	Ecclesiastes 1:10
The Summary of a Life's Experience	J. Willcock	Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
Opposite Ideas of Life	Homilist	Ecclesiastes 1:4-10
The Abiding Earth	U. R. Thomas.	Ecclesiastes 1:4-10
The Durability of the Earth Contrasted with Human Mortality	J. Foster.	Ecclesiastes 1:4-10
The Earth Permanent, Man Transitory	J. A. Jacob, M. A.	Ecclesiastes 1:4-10
The Law of Circularity	H. Macmillan, D. D.	Ecclesiastes 1:4-10
The Passing of Humanity	H. Macmillan, D. D.	Ecclesiastes 1:4-10
The Passing of Humanity	S. Hillyard.	Ecclesiastes 1:4-10
What Passes and What Abides	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Ecclesiastes 1:4-10
Novelty	D. Thomas	Ecclesiastes 1:9, 10
The Changing and the Abiding	W. Clarkson	Ecclesiastes 1:9, 10

People

David, Solomon

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Ages, Ago, Already, Anything, Behold, Existed, Whereof

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

5916 pessimism

Library

Two views of Life
'This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man, to be exercised therewith.--ECCLES. i. 13. 'He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.'--HEBREWS xii. 10. These two texts set before us human life as it looks to two observers. The former admits that God shapes it; but to him it seems sore travail, the expenditure of much trouble and efforts; the results of which seem to be nothing beyond profitless exercise. There is an immense activity and nothing to show for it at the end …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Past and the Future
'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall he; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.'--ECCLES. i. 9. 'That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles.'--l PETER iv. 2, 3. If you will look at these two passages carefully you will, I think, see that they imply two different, and in some respects …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eusebius' Birth and Training. His Life in Cæsarea Until the Outbreak of the Persecution.
Our author was commonly known among the ancients as Eusebius of Cæsarea or Eusebius Pamphili. The former designation arose from the fact that he was bishop of the church in Cæsarea for many years; the latter from the fact that he was the intimate friend and devoted admirer of Pamphilus, a presbyter of Cæsarea and a martyr. Some such specific appellation was necessary to distinguish him from others of the same name. Smith and Wace's Dictionary of Christian Biography mentions 137 …
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

Introduction to vita S. Antoni.
(Written between 356 and 362) The Life of St. Antony is included in the present collection partly on account of the important influence it has exercised upon the development of the ascetic life in the Church, partly and more especially on the ground of its strong claim to rank as a work of Athanasius. If that claim were undisputed, no apology would be needed for its presence in this volume. If on the other hand its spurious and unhistorical character had been finally demonstrated, its insertion would …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Literature.
In making the following thread to the rich literature on Constantine the plan has been to confine almost wholly to Monographs, since to refer to all histories, encyclopædias, and the like which treat of him would be endless. Only such few analyzed references are introduced as have special reasons. Even with this limit it cannot be at all hoped that the list is exhaustive. Considerable pains has been taken, however, to make it full, as there is no really extended modern list of works on Constantine, …
Eusebius Pamphilius—The Life of Constantine

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
It is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18; and the knowledge of him being life eternal, John xvii. 3, and our measure of knowledge of him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part, it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desirable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. Knowledge must be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christian …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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

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