The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. The produce of the earthThis phrase highlights the fundamental truth that the earth's resources are meant to sustain all of humanity. In the Hebrew context, the word for "produce" (תְּבוּאָה, tevuah) refers to the yield or harvest that the land provides. This reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where agriculture was the backbone of the economy and daily life. Theologically, this underscores God's provision for His creation, reminding us that the earth's bounty is a gift from God meant for the benefit of all people. It calls believers to recognize the divine origin of all resources and to steward them wisely and equitably. is taken by all
This phrase suggests a communal sharing of resources. In the ancient Near Eastern context, land and its produce were often shared among families and communities. The Hebrew word for "taken" (נֶעֱבָד, ne'evad) can also imply being worked or cultivated, indicating that while the earth provides, it requires human effort to harness its potential. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where humanity is called to work the land and care for creation (Genesis 2:15). It also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of society, where the well-being of one is tied to the well-being of all. the king himself
The mention of the king serves as a reminder of the hierarchical structures present in ancient societies. In Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, responsible for justice and the welfare of the people. The Hebrew word for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melech) carries connotations of authority and responsibility. This phrase suggests that even those in positions of power are dependent on the earth's produce, emphasizing the universality of God's provision. It also implies that leaders should be mindful of their dependence on the same resources as their subjects, promoting humility and accountability. profits from the fields
This phrase indicates that the king, like everyone else, benefits from the agricultural output of the land. The Hebrew word for "profits" (נֶעֱבָד, ne'evad) can also mean to serve or to be served by, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between the king and the land. Historically, kings would often levy taxes or take a portion of the produce as tribute, which was a common practice in ancient economies. This serves as a reminder that leadership should not exploit resources for personal gain but should ensure that the benefits of the land are distributed justly. It calls for righteous governance that reflects God's justice and care for all people. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Preacher (Qoheleth)Traditionally understood to be Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel, who is attributed as the author of Ecclesiastes. He reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment. 2. The KingRepresents authority and governance, highlighting the hierarchical structure of society where even the highest authority benefits from the labor of the land. 3. The Earth/FieldsSymbolizes the source of sustenance and wealth, emphasizing the agrarian context of ancient Israel where agriculture was central to life and economy. Teaching Points The Universality of ProvisionThe earth's produce is meant for all, reminding us of God's provision and the shared blessing of creation. We should be mindful of how we use and distribute resources. The Role of AuthorityEven those in positions of power are dependent on the basic provisions of the earth. This should instill humility and a sense of responsibility in leaders to care for the land and its people. Stewardship and GratitudeRecognize that all we have is ultimately from God. We are called to be good stewards of the earth's resources, using them wisely and with gratitude. Contentment and TrustTrust in God's provision rather than in material wealth. Contentment comes from recognizing that God provides for our needs through the earth's abundance. Community and EquityThe produce of the earth is for all, suggesting a call to ensure equitable distribution and care for those in need within our communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of the earth's produce being for all challenge or affirm your current understanding of resource distribution? 2. In what ways can you practice better stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to you? 3. How does recognizing that even a king profits from the fields influence your view of leadership and authority? 4. What steps can you take to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision in your daily life? 5. How can the principles found in Ecclesiastes 5:9 be applied to address issues of inequality and poverty in today's world? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1:28-30This passage describes God's command to humanity to fill the earth and subdue it, and the provision of plants for food, establishing the foundational relationship between humans and the earth. Proverbs 27:23-27These verses emphasize the importance of tending to one's flocks and fields, drawing a parallel to the diligent management of resources and the resulting prosperity. 1 Timothy 6:17-19Paul advises the wealthy to be generous and to place their hope in God rather than in uncertain riches, which connects to the theme of recognizing the source of all provision. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Abundance, Advantage, Cultivated, Cultivates, Dependent, Field, Fields, Generally, Maketh, Moreover, Profit, Profitable, Profits, Servant, Served, WorkedDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 5349 injustice, examples
8791 oppression, nature of Ecclesiastes 5:8-15 5916 pessimism 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 5:9 NIVEcclesiastes 5:9 NLTEcclesiastes 5:9 ESVEcclesiastes 5:9 NASBEcclesiastes 5:9 KJV
Ecclesiastes 5:9 Commentaries
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