Ecclesiastes9
English Standard Version
1But I to , , how the and the and their are in the of . it is or , does ; are him.
2It is the for , since the happens to the and the , to the and the evil, to the and the , to him who and him does . As the one is, so is the , and he who is as he who an .
3 is an in is the , that the happens to . , the of the of are of , and is in their while they , and that they go to the .
4 with the has , a a .
5 the that they will , but the , and they have , the of them is .
6Their their their have , and have in is the .
7 , your with , and your with a , has what you .
8Let your be . Let be your .
9 the you , the of your he has you the , is your in and in your at which you the .
10 your to , it with your , there is or or or in , to are .
11 I that the the is to the , the to the , to the , to the , to those with , and to them .
12 does his . Like that are in an , and like that are in a , the of are at an , when it them.
13I have example of the , and it seemed me.
14There was a with in it, and a against it and it, it.
15But there was in it a , , and by his the . Yet that .
16But that is than , though the is and his are not .
17The of the in are better the of a among .
18 is than of , but .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Ecclesiastes 9.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Good and bad men fare alike as to this world. (1-3). All men must die, Their portion as to this life. (4-10). Disappointments common. (11,12) . Benefits of wisdom. (13-18).
vv1-3
We are not to think our searching into the word or works of God useless, because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may learn many things good for ourselves and useful to others. But man cannot always decide who are objects of God's special love, or under his wrath; and God will certainly put a difference between the precious and the vile, in the other world. The difference as to present happiness, arises from the inward supports and consolations the righteous enjoy, and the benefit they derive from varied trials and mercies. As far as the sons of men are left to themselves, their hearts are full of evil; and prosperity in sin, causes them even to set God at defiance by daring wickedness. Though, on this side death, the righteous and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, on the other side there will be a vast difference between them.
vv4-10
The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their condition in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their Father's love, in answer to prayer, will have a peculiar relish. Not that we may set our hearts upon the delights of sense, but what God has given us we may use with wisdom. The joy here described, is the gladness of heart that springs from a sense of the Divine favour. This is the world of service, that to come is the world of recompence. All in their stations, may find some work to do. And above all, sinners have the salvation of their souls to seek after, believers have to prove their faith, adorn the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation.
vv11-12
Men's success seldom equals their expectations. We must use means, but not trust to them: if we succeed, we must give God the praise; if crossed, we must submit to his will. Those who put off the great concerns of their souls, are caught in Satan's net, which he baits with some worldly object, for which they reject or neglect the gospel, and go on in sin till they suddenly fall into destruction.
Key Words
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
זֶה: the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
נָתַן: to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לֵב: the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
בּוּר: to bore, i.e. (figuratively) examine
צַדִּיק: just
חָכָם: wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
עֲבָד: a deed
יָד: a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 9White garments signify spiritual joy, purity, and the spotless righteousness of the redeemed.
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The redeemed arrayed in white robes, symbolizing victory and acceptance in God's presence.
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Christ's exhortation to work while it is day parallel's Solomon's call to work before the grave.
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Confirms that battle success does not belong to human strength, but is in God's hand.
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Delayed execution of judgment makes the hearts of men fully set on madness and evil.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
The garment of praise and oil of joy, contrasting with mourning and a gloomy exterior.
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Warns the wise, mighty, and rich not to glory in human efforts, which are subject to providence.
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A historical parallel where a wise woman's counsel delivered a besieged city from destruction.
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Achan's individual sin brought ruin upon Israel, illustrating how one sinner destroyeth much good.
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Though outward events are currently identical, God will ultimately make a distinction between good and bad.
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Contrasts the earthly hope of a tree sprouting again with the absolute finality of human death.
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The godly exhortation to find joy and contentment with the wife of one's youth.
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Committing our works to God's hand, as our plans and events are entirely under His control.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Remembering our mortality teaches us to work diligently and apply our hearts to wisdom now.
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