Ecclesiastes 8

Notes

Ver. 1. How few are truly wise, and can rightly take up or expound the words or works of God? And yet it is wisdom that renders a man truly honourable, mild, and majestic. 2. The laws of a king ought to be obeyed, not only from fear of the penalty, but from regard to God, whose deputy he is, and to the oath of allegiance sworn to him by the name and in the presence of God, as witness and guardian of it. 3. We must behave ourselves submissively; and never, through passion or discontent, withdraw from his service or cast off our allegiance; for, his power being so great, it is very dangerous to contend with him. 4. A king has power to enforce his commands; and none can oppose him without apparent danger. 5. He who prudently complies with the king's pleasure in lawful things, shall avoid the trouble and danger which he would otherwise incur. And it will require wisdom to direct in what time and manner we may deal with him to the best advantage. 6. For through inattention to the proper time and to proper direction in managing matters, men bring much trouble upon themselves: 7. For they are generally ignorant what things are to happen, and of the time in which what they expect will come to pass. 8. None, neither by force nor entreaty, nor by wickedness, are capable of preventing the removal of their soul from this world in one way or another, so it becomes all to be ready. 9. I have observed that rulers by their management often bring guilt and ruin upon themselves. 10. I have observed wicked rulers, notwithstanding the greatest funeral pomp, quickly forgotten in the very city in which they had often, in God's name, administered judgment. So vain and perishing are all the pomp and power of the greatest. 11. Because God in mercy sometimes delays to punish open transgressors of his law, hardened sinners, in a most presumptuous manner, abandon themselves to all manner of mischief and wickedness. 12. But though the sinner's days of reprieve, or even of prosperity, should be prolonged for a time, yet it is only they who truly fear God and walk in his ways that will be happy at last. 13. Wicked despisers of God shall not enjoy the true comforts of life, and shall be quickly hurried into misery here or hereafter. 14. It is, however, afflicting that some eminent saints are reproached, persecuted, and distressed in this world, while some ringleaders in wickedness meet with kind usage and remarkable prosperity. 15. This makes it evident, that nothing is more proper than soberly and thankfully to enjoy what God in his providence bestows upon us in this world, as all the reward that we can gain by our labour. 16, 17. It is best to refrain from curious inquiries into the reasons, ends, and meaning of God's dispensations; for after the most diligent, curious, and persevering search, I find they will still remain unsearchable to men.

Ver. 2-5. That 'the king' was a title of Messiah familiar in the days of Solomon, is obvious from Ps. 2. 6; 21. 1, 4, 6; 45. 1, 6; 98. 6, &c.; and there are such characteristics in this passage as clearly prove that Jesus is 'the King' whom Solomon prophetically honours. Thus in ver. 3, 'He doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.' Now this neither David, nor Solomon, nor Darius, Da. 6. 14, nor indeed the most despotic monarch on earth, ever could effect: then, to Solomon's King none may say, 'What doest thou?' But never was there an earthly king without some one honest enough, or bold enough, or factious enough, to question his acts. Above all, he who keepeth the commandment of Solomon's King 'shall feel no evil,' a lot which no earthly king enjoys himself, nor can bestow upon any of his subjects. But all these things the King in Zion can do, and all these blessings his subjects enjoy. C.

Ver. 9. This hurt arises (1) From the mental perturbation that every ungodly and unkind superior must experience. (2) From that human retaliation which the injustice of despotic rule so often provokes. (3) From these judgments which an all-wise and merciful God who suffers long, does yet in justice finally bring down upon the wicked. C.

Ver. 10. Wickedly ruled 'to their own hurt'—raised, as they imagined, imperishable monuments of their fame—died, and were forgotten—leaving nought but a new proof that 'all is vanity.' C.

Ver. 15. This is no libertine insinuation, as some imagine, but, when scripturally interpreted, a plain statement of an important truth. There is no doubt a 'laughter of fools,' and 'the end of that mirth is heaviness,' Pr. 14. 13; but there is also a mirth which forms an essential or concomitant part of God's worship, Ps. 100. 1, 2; Ne. 8. 6, 9-12; Ja. 5. 3; and it is of that mirth, with the thankful and temperate use of what men 'eat or drink,' that Solomon here speaks. C.

Reflections.—What excellency in himself—usefulness among neighbours—honour among friends—and courage among enemies—the true knowledge and fear of God give to a man! But it is foolish and sinful to disregard the laws of our rulers; to be forward in finding fault with their administrations; to persist in faults pointed out to us; or to neglect proper methods of obtaining redress of our grievances. Subjection to magistrates is highly necessary, not only for conscience' sake, but even for avoiding their wrath and securing our own comfort. Certain and irresistible in themselves, though uncertain in their circumstances, are troubles and death to sinful men. But when we see wicked men prosper while the godly are oppressed, there is need of patience and of looking by faith to the unseen, the eternal issue of things! and, in the meanwhile, to make the best use we can of what we meet with, and leave it to the Lord to comprehend and manage his own mysterious works.