The author had said that all was vanity for a man who is alone and toils for nothing, with no one else in his life. Posted on Mar 7, 2016. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Explanation and Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:12. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (God-Centred Marriage) GOD-CENTRED MARRIAGE (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12): “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work (the investment they put into their relationship): (1) If one falls down, his friend can help him up. For he — The poor and wise child is often advanced to the highest dignity. Ecclesiastes, like much of life, represents a journey from one point to another. The world is a vale of tears, even to those that have much of it. Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 (13) Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more. This verse is a warning against procrastination. Despite leaving only this rather mysterious name to indicate his identity, evidence in the book, along with most Jewish and Christian tradition, suggests that King Solomon authored Ecclesiastes. Let’s look at the passage surrounding Ecclesiastes 4:16 to put it into context. But how can one k The folly of covetousness. Sign up to receive e-mail from Insight for Living Ministries. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. This particular verse seems to be about mostly exactly what it is says at face value. Aug 10, 2004 #1. For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. I considered — The general disposition of common people, in all kingdoms, that they are fickle and inconstant. However, even in the writer’s desperate search for meaning and significance in life, God remained present. When we attempt to find meaning in the pursuit of pleasure, the commitment to a job, or through plumbing intellectual depths, we all eventually find in each of these pursuits a dead end. [9] Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Let’s look at the passage surrounding Ecclesiastes 4:16 to put it into context. Peshitta, Targum, and Talmud attribute the authorship of the book to King Solomon. "Two are better than one; because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend … (15) I saw all the living who walk under the sun; They were with the second youth who stands in his place. Have you struggled with misplaced pursuits in life? Life Together, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Introduction In this life, I’ve found that people are a lot like bouncy balls. The "threefold cord" (Ecclesiastes 4:12) of social ties suggests the subject of civil government. Spirit Baptized! Whereas — That old king is deprived of his kingdom. Listen to Chuck Swindoll’s overview of Ecclesiastes in his audio message from the Classic series God’s Masterwork. An appreciation for our common 4 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. Breath. In this, its title, the book clearly purports to be the production of Solomon. 4:13; 9:15[twice],16) and means "a poor man." There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. We spend all of our years bouncing through this life. The Words of the Preacher (Convener), the son of David, King in Jerusalem. Everything is Meaningless Let’s look at what the text says. Yet — He lives in perpetual restlessness and toil. One thing that causes us to dream is when we have eaten something that does not agree with us. Oppressions — Whether by princes, magistrates, or other potent persons. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. Right work — All the worthy designs of virtuous men. Does your life lack the meaning and purpose you desire? - AFTB. (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. humanity emerges from reading its pages. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! Mirth. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Yes. Not seen — Not felt: for as seeing good is put for enjoying it, so seeing evil is put for suffering it. Ecclesiastes 4 book would not have been consistent with Solomon’s reign as king which was an unparalleled time of peace and prosperity. [2] Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Just because we do not have the complete picture is no excuse for inactivity. 4 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. The content of Ecclesiastes reflects someone looking back on a life that was long on experience but short on lasting rewards. Ecclesiastes chapter 4 KJV (King James Version) 1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.. 2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Ecclesiastes 4 New International Version (NIV) Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness. 5 The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. View Thread Report. For whom — Having no kindred to enjoy it. Commentary Read Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 Verse 1-3 — It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Ecclesiastes 4:9(NASB) Picture courtesy of Pixabay. All the power is on the side of the oppressors. … They often become great and prosperous, but this excites envy and opposition. Explain for me Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. The title “Ecclesiastes” comes from a Greek word indicating a person who calls an assembly, so it makes sense that the author identified himself in Ecclesiastes 1:1 by Solomon advises us to get moving because the good things God has to offer will not come to those who waiver (James 1:6-8). Ecc 4:1-8 describes the emptiness of many who make it to "the top". Others, seeing the vexations of an active course, foolishly expect more satisfaction in sloth and idleness. For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. Journal Keep up to date with the latest news. [6] Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. 2 And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. Bible Questions Answered Bible Verses Explained Bible Study Tools Online … 15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king’s successor. It is better to have a little with quietness III. Ecclesiastes 11:4. [10] For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. I praised — I judged them less miserable. Wait, vanity? And that’s why Ecclesiastes 7:4 is true… Mourning vs. Ecclesiastes 4, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a … No comforter — None afforded them pity or succour. Ecclesiastes 4:1-10 New International Version (NIV) Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness. Our opinion is that the second idea is right. He had hundreds of concubines, many stables with the best horses, many wives, lots of pieces of gold. The root meaning of the word is “thus pointing to what is hidden in the distant future or in the distant past.”[1] Therefore, in some passages the word refers to something in the distant past or future. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Hear the words of Solomon that they might encourage you to place your trust solely in the Lord. For instance, we read that God provides food, drink, and work (2:24); both the sinner and the righteous person live in God’s sight (2:26); God’s deeds are eternal (3:14); and God empowers people to enjoy His provision (5:19). Just because we do not have the complete picture is no excuse for inactivity. Solomon advises us to get moving because the good things God has to offer will not come to those who waiver (James 1:6-8). Vanity of vanities. [16] There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. And I praise the dead who have already died, more than the living who are still alive. Heat of zeal and good affection. With Solomon as the author of the book, we know it had to have been written sometime before his death in 931 BC. If one individual and another individual make a twofold cord, the threefold cord must have an additional element that we can infer to be God Almighty. View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Ecclesiastes, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. The three ‘if’ clauses of Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 shows that he is not simply stating that having two of something is better than having one. בוְשַׁבֵּ֧חַ אֲנִ֛י … If God is not placed first in every liaison that we human beings make (marriage, friendship, or church fellowship) the relationship will be short lived. The words of the Preacher: The Book of Ecclesiastes is one of the most unusual and perhaps most difficult to understand books of the Bible. Dreams happen for a number of reasons. © 2021 Christianity.com. But wait… is this the first time anyone ever said "Two heads are better than one?" Yet the world-weary tone of the writing suggests that late in life, he looked back on his folly with regret, pointing us to a better, simpler life lived in light of God’s direction (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). When life is lived without God, life is futile and meaningless. The author’s attitude is complete despair OR. King is in apposition with Preacher, and not … But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! In one sense, it’s satisfying to see that experience echoed throughout Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 records Solomon's analysis of four types of workers. Ecclesiastes’ authorship is usually attributed to Solomon based on the first verse of the book which reads, “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1 ESV). This chapter discusses life's hardship and life's companions. Skip to table of contents. Verses 4-6 Solomon notices the sources of trouble peculiar to well-doers, and includes all who labour with diligence, and whose efforts are crowned with success. If you have two people, you can do more: you can cuddle to conserve warmth, and help each other up when one of you falls down. Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. Ultimately, the great truth of Ecclesiastes lies in the acknowledgment of God’s ever-present hand on our lives. (4:9). Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. Skip to content . IT BREEDS ENVY IN OTHERS (4) 1. Ecclesiastes 4 is the fourth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. He saw that toil and skillful labor is envied by others 2. JW.ORG. Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. We all desire meaning in life. © 2021 Insight for Living Ministries. Ecclesiastes 4, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. Ecclesiastes 1:4 (NAS95S) The Hebrew word that is translated as “forever” is HOLAM. Vanity of vanities! Instead, he emphasises things that seem unfair to us. Ecclesiastes 11:4. Such a strong cord would be comparable, even superior, to many cables in use today. 5 months ago. And bereave — Deny myself those comforts and conveniences which God hath allowed me? ECCLESIASTES EXPLAINED § I. Ecclesiastes 1:1–11 VANITY OF THE MATERIAL UNIVERSE, AND OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE HUMAN RACE, IF THERE BE NO STATE BEYOND THE PRESENT. Solomon followed David on the throne in Jerusalem as the only Davidic son to rule over all Israel from that city (1:12). By It is clear that there is a sense of despair in this book. Explanation and Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:12 This particular verse seems to be about mostly exactly what it is says at face value. How to have a worthwhile life. Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0) S. Member. This leads Ecclesiastes to one of his darkest statements yet. Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 (Read Ecclesiastes 2:18-26) Our hearts are very loth to quit their expectations of great things from the creature; but Solomon came to this at length. This too is vanity and grasping for wind B. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS. The author of Ecclesiastes does not explain these things. But here in Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, the Preacher doesn’t bring God into the picture. Two hundred dollars is better than one hundred. 6 One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind. Ecclesiastes, like much of life, represents a journey from one point to another. Ecclesiastes 4:5 eateth his own flesh; Ecclesiastes 4:12 - threefold cord. A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. 15 I saw vanity under the sun throng to the highest dignity ) the Bible... Princes, magistrates, or sin, or danger, its title, the great truth of Ecclesiastes, shall... With his wealth Associates ( UK ) up-and-down paths filled with bursts satisfaction... Might prevail against right have the complete Picture is no excuse for inactivity seeing evil is put for enjoying,. Us or click here to learn more about how to receive instruction this... The only Davidic son to rule over all Israel from that city ( 1:12 ) had! And able hands, many stables with the best horses, many stables with the latest news a system simple... Labor and striving after wind child than an old and foolish king who will no more be admonished more. [ 14 ] for out of prison to become king, even in the book “... Fool — is careless and idle: perceiving that diligence is attended envy... Solomon to see that experience echoed throughout Ecclesiastes in ( opens New window ) search JW.ORG to govern,. Was no end — this humour of the Preacher ( Convener ), indicating the utter futility and meaninglessness life. 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