Ecclesiastes 8
8:1 a softening its harshness: Anxiety, anger, sorrow, and frustration can harden one’s face, but the enjoyment of life and wisdom will lighten it.8:2 b since you vowed to God that you would: Cp. 5:2-6 c; 1 Kgs 2:41-43 d.
Summary for Eccl 8:3-4: 8:3-4 e Plotting against the king is futile because he has great power and can do whatever he wants.
8:6 f there is a time ... for everything: Those who are wise will be ready when an opportune time appears (see 3:1-8 g; Eph 5:16 h).
Summary for Eccl 8:7-8: 8:7-8 i Since our strength, goodness, and wisdom cannot forestall calamity, turning to wickedness would certainly be futile.
Summary for Eccl 8:9-11: 8:9-11 j In this world, injustice often prevails. The apparent success of the wicked can be frustrating.
Summary for Eccl 8:12-13: 8:12-13 k Injustice is momentary and does not upset God’s plans for justice (3:16-17 l; 12:14 m). In reality, wickedness does not pay.
8:15 n The Teacher’s conclusion is familiar (2:24-25 o; 3:12-13 p, 22 q; 5:18-20 r; 6:9 s). In spite of tragedies and hard labor, we can enjoy life and be happy.
• In Hebrew, the word translated having fun means finding enjoyment in our daily activities, not pursuing pleasure or entertainment for its own sake.
Summary for Eccl 8:16-9:12: 8:16–9:12 t Another generalization from lifelong observation is that death appears to be meaningless. Why do some die and others live longer? God’s sovereign decision in this matter is unpredictable (7:13-14 u).
Summary for Eccl 8:16-17: 8:16-17 v A person could spend night and day looking for the answers to every question, but the reasons for everything will not be apparent. God’s justice, for example, is sometimes mysterious.
Copyright information for
TNotes