Ecclesiastes 8, 9, & 10

A long passage, but a relatively short trip

It appears that the writer is packing a lot of things together, and gliding through them/over them quickly,

A few more proverbial statements

Some repetition—if you didn’t get it the first time, here it is again

Some possible contradictions; e. g. 9:9 v. 7:28

Holman Concise Bible Commentary (On Contentment (9:7–12))

... wisdom literature often gives counsel that is paradoxical or apparently contradictory. The reason is that life itself is complicated.

Remember: we are looking at Solomon’s observations and his making statements of general truth

Reading the wisdom literature of the Bible…or any other such documents…we MUST remember the cultural realities of the day—those things that informed the mind of the writer

Not giving a verse list; 150 cross-references just in chap. 8—refer to TSK available online at https://tsk-online.com/

Also recommend Thompson Chain reference Bible: https://www.zondervan.com/p/thompsonchainreference/howitworks/

One overall caveat regarding this book we’re studying: We’re dealing with mans’ time “under the sun;” not really a work on eternity

Summary Statements

A very general summary from Holman Concise Bible Commentary

Holman Concise Bible Commentary God’s Justice (8:1–9:6)

The wise know how to behave with discretion and tact toward those in power, but the uncertainty of life makes it difficult to stay on the right path. Many who have power use it ruthlessly for their own gain. That they often seem to go unpunished aggravates the situation. This is, perhaps, the most troubling problem of life. Death levels the differences between the powerful and the powerless, but it aggravates the problem in that the good and bad suffer the same fate. For the reader, however, this should not lead to cynicism. Instead, it should provoke deeper faith that only God knows the end from the beginning and only He can finally set all things right.

Holman Concise Bible Commentary (On Contentment (9:7–12))

This passage builds upon the certainty of death as described in 9:1–6. Life is short and therefore should not be lived in sorrow. Enjoy the good things of life and do not let ambition for success ruin the time you have. The advice in 9:9, “Enjoy life with your wife,” seems to contradict 7:28, but wisdom literature often gives counsel that is paradoxical or apparently contradictory. The reason is that life itself is complicated.

Holman Concise Bible Commentary On Politics (9:13–10:17)

ON POLITICS (9:13–10:17)

Prudence and political skill are essential for effective governance of a nation, but they are often neglected or lacking. Ecclesiastes presents this concept here first in a short anecdote and then in a series of proverbs and reflections. Whether the wise man saved his city by military strategy or diplomacy is not clear. What is clear is that he was soon forgotten because he was not wealthy or from an influential family. But the worst fate that can befall a nation is that it have ignoble or self-indulgent rulers. Such fools are not even capable of giving a stranger correct directions to the nearest town; they can hardly be trusted in matters of state.

The series of proverbs in 10:8–11 emphasizes the importance of forethought and careful planning. Those who practice cunning often bring about their own demise. They dig a pit for someone else and fall into it themselves. Or they are bitten by a snake while breaking into another’s home. But even legitimate activities can be dangerous. Thorough planning must precede any enterprise. In context this means that one must exercise great care in dealing with the intrigues of political life.

ON POLITICS AND WEALTH (10:18–20)

Three transitional proverbs bridge the gap between the political and economic realms. First, diligence is necessary to maintain an economy, be it the national household or a private home. Second, at least some money is essential in order to enjoy the good things of life; verse 19 is not cynical, as it appears to be in many translations. Third, be careful of those who have power, be it political or economic.

A. Health (8:1)

Your face gives away what’s going on inside—except for the good poker players among us

B. Authority Figures (8:2-5)

We were also told that we should not criticize the king (sneak peak at 10:10

Think through Jesus discussion with Pilate—who really had the authority in that meeting? …also, His discussion with the centurion who understood the delegation of authority, and Paul’s counsel to the Romans about all powers having been ordained by God

C. Timing (8:6-7)

Back to 3:1-8, times and seasons

Also James 4.14, someone read

There are some things inescapable—e.g. war

D. Realistic Expectations ( 8:8-9)

Justice delayed is justice denied, MLK Jr.

The general nature of evil throughout mankind 1 Corinthians 15:21–22 “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”

…and Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

E. Reverence for God (8:10-13

10-12 are somewhat discouraging, 13 brings to mind Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”

Though this addresses eternity…final judgment…it’s refreshing to know that ultimate justice is God’s—vengeance is HIS He WILL repay!

A Nerdy Note: The word for sentence in v. 11 is borrowed term from the language of Persia—could be that this was edited after the exile—or was borrowed by Solomon, who likely was well versed in foreign languages

F. Inequities (8: 14)

Flashback to 7:15, also 8:10

G. Enjoyment (8:15-9:10)

Don’t get bogged down in the troubles and trials of life—enjoy those things which God has given you.

Again, remember the temporal nature of the discussion

H. Wisdom’s Limits (9:11-18)

Though the phrase “time and chance” sounds like an argument for evolution, it’s Solomon’s observation

The story behind the wise man and the city is of unknown source; JJerome of Stridon, 4th-5th century, observed

Ecclesiastes through the Centuries Wise Conduct in the Light of Uncertainty: 9:13–11:6

But O ungrateful oblivion of men, after they were freed from bondage and released from captivity, and the freedom was given back to the fatherland, no one remembers that wise old man, no one gives thanks for their salvation, but all show honour to the rich, who were able to do nothing to help when in time of danger.

I. Wisdom Preferable to Folly (10:1-20)

More proverbial observations

Interesting the “right and left” of v. 2…Jesus put the sheep on His right, the goats to the left, Interesting right v. left; right v. wrong

Hebrew: right is to the south (east was the point of reference from that culture, not north) also favorable or profitable v/ left, to the north, unprofitable or unfavorable

Political realities of good and bad leadership

The danger in laziness

V. 19 sounds a by like more cynicism

V. 20…already discussed