Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Summary for Eccl 2:1-11: 2:1-11 a The Teacher dismisses the pursuit of pleasure for its own sake as hollow. Even great achievements are a vapor.2:3 b The Teacher understood that trying to cheer himself with wine was foolishness, but he did it while still seeking wisdom—i.e., during his attempt to understand how to experience ... happiness. This proved to be empty (2:11 c).
• brief life in this world: The totality of human experience is “a breath.”
Summary for Eccl 2:4-8: 2:4-8 d Solomon’s building achievements were as small as porches and gates and as large as entire cities (see 1 Kgs 9:15-19 e). These projects, meant primarily for his own pleasure, included the palace and its accompanying buildings (see 1 Kgs 7:1-12 f). 2:4 g Solomon’s vineyards are mentioned in Song 8:11-12 h.
2:7 i Solomon’s slaves, ... large herds, and flocks were numerous, and caring for them consumed vast resources (1 Kgs 4:22-23 j; 9:20-21 k).
2:8 l silver and gold ... kings and provinces: Solomon ruled from the Fertile Crescent (north and east of Israel) to the border of Egypt in the south. His wealth in precious metals came from trade, gifts from admiring rulers of other nations, and taxes from lands he held within his empire (1 Kgs 4:21 m; 9:28 n; 10:14 o, 22-25 p; 1 Chr 29:4 q; 2 Chr 9:26-27 r).
• many beautiful concubines: Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines by the end of his reign (1 Kgs 11:3 s).
2:9 t I became greater: Cp. 1 Kgs 10:23 u.
• Solomon’s wisdom enabled his successful rise in power and prosperity (see 1 Kgs 3:2-14 v; 4:20-34 w).
2:10 x I even found great pleasure in hard work: The Teacher introduces a significant, repetitive theme: Joy comes from wise and rigorous work (5:12 y, 18-20 z).
2:11 aa meaningless ... nothing really worthwhile: Accomplishment only brings hopelessness and discouragement because the accomplishment itself has no lasting meaning (2:18-23 ab).
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