Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger. Moreover, all his daysThis phrase emphasizes the continuous and unrelenting nature of the experience described. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it reflects the ongoing struggle and toil of human life under the sun. The phrase "all his days" suggests a lifetime of experience, echoing the theme of life's fleeting and often burdensome nature as seen throughout the book. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of human life being marked by labor and toil since the fall in Genesis 3:17-19. he eats in darkness
Eating in darkness symbolizes a life devoid of joy and understanding. In biblical times, darkness often represented ignorance, evil, or despair (John 3:19-20). The act of eating, a basic necessity, done in darkness suggests a lack of fulfillment and enlightenment. This can be contrasted with the imagery of light in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), offering hope and clarity. with much sorrow
Sorrow here indicates deep emotional pain and dissatisfaction. The Hebrew word used can also imply grief or vexation. This reflects the Preacher's observation of life's vanity and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. The theme of sorrow is prevalent in Ecclesiastes, as the pursuit of worldly pleasures and achievements often leads to disappointment (Ecclesiastes 1:14). sickness
Sickness can be understood both physically and metaphorically. It may refer to the physical ailments that accompany a life of hard labor and stress, or it could symbolize spiritual and emotional malaise. In the ancient Near East, sickness was often seen as a consequence of sin or divine displeasure, though the book of Job challenges this simplistic view. The presence of sickness underscores the frailty and imperfection of human existence. and anger
Anger here may refer to frustration with life's injustices and the seeming futility of human efforts. It reflects the emotional response to the perceived inequities and unpredictability of life. This anger can be seen as a natural reaction to the vanity and fleeting nature of worldly pursuits, as discussed throughout Ecclesiastes. The Bible elsewhere advises against letting anger lead to sin (Ephesians 4:26), suggesting a need for divine perspective and patience. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is often seen as a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment. 2. IsraelThe nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the vanity of life and the pursuit of meaning. Teaching Points The Futility of Labor Without GodEcclesiastes 5:17 highlights the emptiness and sorrow that accompany a life focused solely on material gain. The Hebrew word for "darkness" (choshekh) suggests a life devoid of divine light and purpose. The Consequences of DiscontentThe verse describes a life filled with "vexation, sickness, and anger." This serves as a warning against allowing dissatisfaction to dominate our lives, leading to spiritual and emotional turmoil. The Importance of Spiritual PrioritiesAligning our lives with God's will and finding contentment in Him can transform our perspective on work and possessions, leading to true joy and peace. The Call to Reflect on Life's PurposeThis passage encourages believers to examine their lives and priorities, ensuring that their pursuits align with eternal values rather than temporary gains. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ecclesiastes 5:17 challenge our modern views on success and fulfillment? 2. In what ways can we guard against the "darkness" and "vexation" described in this verse in our daily lives? 3. How do the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6) provide a solution to the issues raised in Ecclesiastes 5:17? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced "sickness and anger" due to misplaced priorities. How did you find resolution? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Ecclesiastes 5:17 to cultivate a life of contentment and spiritual richness? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which aligns with the themes of vanity and the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits found in Ecclesiastes. 1 Timothy 6:6-10Paul discusses contentment and the dangers of the love of money, echoing the warnings in Ecclesiastes about the futility of wealth without God. Psalm 39:6This Psalm reflects on the brevity and vanity of life, similar to the themes in Ecclesiastes. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Abound, Affliction, Anger, Consumeth, Dark, Darkness, Disease, Eateth, Eats, Frustrated, Frustration, Grief, Irritation, Pain, Resentment, Sadness, Sickness, Sore, Sorrow, Spent, Throughout, Trouble, Vexation, Vexed, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:16-17 5634 work, and the fall Library Naked or Clothed?
'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLessons for Worship and for Work
'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. 3. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety 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 Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting 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 5:17 NIVEcclesiastes 5:17 NLTEcclesiastes 5:17 ESVEcclesiastes 5:17 NASBEcclesiastes 5:17 KJV
Ecclesiastes 5:17 Commentaries
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