All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment. All this I have seenThe phrase "All this I have seen" suggests a comprehensive observation by the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon. The Hebrew root for "seen" is "ra'ah," which implies not just physical sight but also understanding and discernment. Solomon, known for his wisdom, is reflecting on the breadth of human experience and the futility he perceives in worldly endeavors. This phrase sets the stage for a reflective and introspective examination of human actions and their consequences. as I applied my mind
The phrase "as I applied my mind" indicates a deliberate and thoughtful consideration. The Hebrew word "natan" is used here, meaning to give or to set. Solomon is not passively observing but actively engaging his intellect and wisdom to understand the complexities of life. This reflects a disciplined pursuit of knowledge and truth, a hallmark of wisdom literature, encouraging believers to seek understanding through diligent study and reflection. to every work that is done under the sun
"To every work that is done under the sun" encompasses all human activities and endeavors. The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, symbolizing the earthly, temporal realm as opposed to the eternal. The Hebrew word "ma'aseh" for "work" implies deeds or actions. Solomon is examining the totality of human effort, highlighting the transient nature of worldly pursuits and urging readers to consider the eternal perspective. at a time when one man has authority over another
This phrase addresses the dynamics of power and authority. The Hebrew word "shalit" for "authority" suggests dominion or control. Solomon observes the hierarchical structures within society, where individuals wield power over others. This reflects the reality of human governance and social order, yet it also serves as a cautionary note about the potential for abuse and the moral responsibility that comes with authority. to his own detriment
The phrase "to his own detriment" underscores the negative consequences of misused authority. The Hebrew word "ra" is used here, meaning evil or harm. Solomon warns that when power is exercised unjustly, it ultimately harms both the oppressor and the oppressed. This serves as a moral lesson on the ethical use of power, reminding believers of the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and humility in leadership. 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 are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and observations. 2. Under the SunA phrase frequently used in Ecclesiastes, symbolizing life on earth and human endeavors apart from divine perspective. It emphasizes the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits. 3. Authority and OppressionThe verse highlights the dynamic of power where one person has authority over another, often leading to oppression or harm. This reflects the broader theme of injustice and the misuse of power in human society. Teaching Points The Reality of Human AuthorityHuman authority is a reality in our world, but it is often marred by sin and selfishness. Recognize the potential for both good and harm in positions of power. The Call to Righteous LeadershipAs Christians, we are called to lead with integrity and humility, following the example of Christ who came to serve rather than to be served. The Importance of AccountabilityThose in authority should be held accountable to ensure that power is not abused. This includes both personal accountability and systemic checks and balances. Trusting in God's SovereigntyDespite the misuse of authority, believers can trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. He sees all deeds done under the sun and will bring about His righteous judgment. Seeking Wisdom in RelationshipsIn all relationships, whether in positions of authority or under authority, seek wisdom and discernment to act justly and love mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the phrase "under the sun" in Ecclesiastes 8:9 shape our understanding of the limitations of human authority? 2. In what ways can we apply Jesus' teachings on servant leadership to our roles in positions of authority today? 3. How can we ensure that we are holding ourselves and others accountable in positions of power, both in the church and in society? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to trust in God's sovereignty when we witness the misuse of authority in the world? 5. How can the wisdom literature of Ecclesiastes guide us in navigating complex relationships where authority and submission are involved? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 3The fall of man introduces sin into the world, leading to the corruption of authority and relationships, which is echoed in the misuse of power described in Ecclesiastes 8:9. Matthew 20:25-28Jesus teaches about servant leadership, contrasting the worldly misuse of authority with the call to serve others selflessly, providing a redemptive perspective on power. Romans 13:1-7Paul discusses the role of governing authorities, emphasizing that all authority is established by God, and should be exercised justly and responsibly. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Applied, Applying, Authority, Deed, Destruction, Evil, Exercised, Heart, Hurt, Lords, Mind, Observed, Power, Ruled, Ruleth, Thereto, Whatever, WhereinDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 8:9 5894 intelligence
8674 study 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 8:9 NIVEcclesiastes 8:9 NLTEcclesiastes 8:9 ESVEcclesiastes 8:9 NASBEcclesiastes 8:9 KJV
Ecclesiastes 8:9 Commentaries
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