The Gospel Message: Faith, Grace, And God's Gospel

The saints are supposed to contend for the faith once for all delivered to us, Jude 3. But what is this faith, and how does one appropriate it? And once appropriated, how does one retain it? Also, what is the outcome of this faith in the life of the believer? These questions will be pondered as we consider Jude’s admonition, and what is meant by that one little word, “faith.”

To put it very neatly, faith in Jude’s case is belief in the gospel. It is confident trust in the message given from the beginning, first by the Lord Jesus Christ, then His apostles, and then their successors, down through the ages unto us. The gospel, as defined by its chief proponent in his time, is related thus: “That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4. This is what Paul later refers to as the simplicity that is in Christ, 2 Corinthians 11:3. The gospel message is simple and sublime. It portrays our Savior, Jesus Christ. It relates what He has done, who He did it for, and why. Christ died (what He did), for our (who He did it for) sins, according to the Scriptures (why He did it). And if you believe this message, then you are born again, born from above, regenerated, adopted into the household of God.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Six, Uncertainty

Ecclesiastes 6:12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?

The final verse of chapter six levels two questions, posed by the preacher as he continues to delve down a truly dark path. Let us recall that Ecclesiastes, among other things, is a thorough study of purpose and relevance of life under the sun, or life without God’s presence providing purpose and meaning both individually, and to the entire race of man. Here we have an encapsulated byproduct of Atheism in all of its lurid glory. 

Ecclesiastes Chapter Six, Naming

Ecclesiastes 6:10 Whatever one is, he has been named already, for it is known that he is man; and he cannot contend with Him who is mightier than he. [11] Since there are many things that increase vanity, how is man the better?

The preacher begins this portion of his letter with a recrimination. No matter what else we are called in life: husband, father, wife, mother, manager, owner, athlete, et al, one label binds the totality of the race and summarizes us neatly: human.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Six, The Burden Of Having

Ecclesiastes 6:7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet his soul is not satisfied. [8] For what more has the wise man than the fool? What does the poor man have, who knows how to walk before the living? [9] Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire. This is also vanity and grasping for the wind.

The NASB renders the Hebrew word “soul” for “appetite” for clarity. The literal translation is soul, however, but both could be applicable here. The labor of man is to sate his appetite, whatever that appetite is. We work to achieve what we desire, but when we achieve it gratification is fleeting, and the soul, or one’s appetite, is stricken with fresh desire, or a new pursuit.

Sixteen years In Review

It occurred to me that on June 26th my blog turned 16 years old. Since I missed putting out a year in review right on the date, I figured that I would do so before June was finished. So without further ado, I present 16 years in review of What’s in a Name?

Ecclesiastes Chapter Six, Lacking Goodness

Ecclesiastes 6:3 If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he–[4] for it comes in vanity and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness. [5] Though it has not seen the sun or known anything, this has more rest than that man, [6] even if he lives a thousand years twice–but has not seen goodness. Do not all go to one place?

The preacher has already made an argument concerning the difference between having something and enjoying it. Or possessing verses having power to utilize it. This disparity between wealth’s accumulation and prosperity despite having it is something that is a thorn in the preacher’s side, seeing as how he revisits it numerous times.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Six, Possession Verses Power

Ecclesiastes 6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: [2] A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction.

Reaching back to the conclusion of chapter 5, we recall that the preacher differentiates between the man God gives both wealth and the ability to enjoy it (Ecclesiastes 5:19, 20) with the present man who has wealth but not the power to utilize it. Rather, like the rich man who made a poor business venture in Ecclesiastes 5:13 and 14, this man amasses wealth so that another may eat of it.

Pantheism: The Worship Of Everything

Oxford defines the term “pantheism” as, “The belief that God is present in all things.” From some of its advocates, we receive these quotes.

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) wrote, “I believe in the cosmos. All of us are linked to the cosmos. So nature is my god. To me, nature is sacred. Trees are my temples and forests are my cathedrals.”

Paul Harrison (born 1945) wrote, “When we say that the cosmos is divine, we mean it with just as much conviction and emotion as believers say that their god is God.” He further wrote, “Pantheism revels in the beauty of nature and the night sky, and is full of wonder at their mystery and power.”

Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677 AD) wrote, “Whatever is, is in God, and without God nothing can be, or be conceived. God is the indwelling, and not the transient cause of all things.”

Interestingly, Richard Dawkins (born 1941) wrote, “Pantheism is sexed up atheism.”

What then, can be said of Pantheism? It is the belief that God is in all things, or that all things are a part of God. The cosmos is a divine thing; nature itself is a divine thing. Carl Sagan was once quoted as writing, “If we must worship a power greater than ourselves, does it not make sense to revere the Sun and stars?” So then, an admission to reverencing the universe as something divine, tantamount to worshiping the personal God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is a tacit confession of Pantheism.

Prayer Request For Family Friends

Today I would like to lift up family friends and fellow believers that are in much need of our prayers. During a recent sudden medical visit, it was discovered that the daughter of the family, eleven years old, needed emergency surgery. She possessed cancerous tumors in her stomach. While the surgery was successful obviously the story doesn't end there. They are discussing with their doctor what the next step is with treatment, which may of course prove to be a long and thorny road. But the Lord will provide, as He always does. I ask for prayer for this family, whom my own family is close to, that her parents may be given wisdom and strength for this ordeal, while their daughter may be helped efficiently and speedily. I apologize for the absence of names, but for their privacy's sake I would like to preserve some anonymity. Please keep this family and their trial in your prayers, that God will do for them above and beyond all that we could ask or think. I thank you.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, Possessing Joy

Ecclesiastes 5:18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. [19] As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor–this is the gift of God. [20] For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

Twice we have seen iterations of this concept in Ecclesiastes. It first appeared in 2:24, and again in 3:13. Moreover, it is of note to add that when we first encounter this notion the NASB renders verse 2:24 as, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good.” In a footnote we find that the Hebrew actually says, “cause his soul to see good in his labor.” So to paraphrase, the verse would read, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and cause his soul to see good in his labor.” 

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, Arrival & Departure

Ecclesiastes 5:13 There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: riches kept for their owner to his hurt. [14] But those riches perish through misfortune; when he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand. [15] As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came, and he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand. [16] And this also is a severe evil–just exactly as he came, so shall he go. And what profit has he who has labored for the wind? [17] All his days he also eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and sickness and anger.

The preacher begins to unfold a tale of some severe evil he bore witness to. As Christ our Lord would begin a parable this way, so too does the preacher begin with a certain rich man who hoarded his wealth.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, A Middle Ground

Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.

This verse appears to be the final in a trifecta, or trinity of passages beginning with verse 10. It starts with the greedy man loving silver and abundance but never being satisfied with either. Then verse 11 moves on to the increase of goods and those who purchase them for no genuine benefit other than to possess them and admire them.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, When Greed Runs Rampant

Ecclesiastes 5:11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them; so what profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes?

The NIV renders this verse, “As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?” The Tanakh reads, “As his substance increases, so do those who consume it; what, then, does the success of its owner amount to except feasting his eyes?”

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, Oppression, Profit, & Abundance

Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them. [9] Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.

The preacher first approached this topic at the beginning of chapter 4, noting that the oppressed weep because they lack a comforter; whereas the oppressors have strength, or power, to oppress without opposition, Ecclesiastes 4:1.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, Many Words

Ecclesiastes 5:6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse [lit. voice] and destroy the work of your hands? [7] For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

This entire chapter continues to focus on drawing near to God in His house. Verse 1 elicits the advice that if you draw near, come close to hear rather than offer the sacrifice of fools. Continuing his assault on foolishness, the preacher exhorts his readership to avoid rashness in speech because God is in Heaven, identifying Him as Creator and King of the created order, whereas we are his creatures.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, The Perils Of Vowing

Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed– [5] Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

Vowing is an OT act in which a penitent voluntarily makes an oath to God, swearing to give or to perform whatever it was that they spoke. We read, “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not be slack to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin in you. But if you refrain from vowing, it shall be no sin in you. You shall be careful to perform what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth,” Deuteronomy 23:21-23, RSV.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, When Fools Speak

Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few.

We still find ourselves in God’s house with this passage. However, the preacher is quick to give God His due by pointing out that the temple, while hosting the Shekinah glory, is not God’s house. He simply writes, “God is in heaven.” Through the prophet God tells us, “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest?” Isaiah 66:1. While revealing Himself to be greater than any temple could hold, Yahweh does explain that He notices, “him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word,” Isaiah 66:2.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Five, The Sacrifice Of Fools

Ecclesiastes 5:1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.

The preacher commends prudence when going to God’s house. His house, in this instance, is the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem, the seat of Jewish worship. Here Yahweh appeared in the Shekinah glory behind the veil in the Holiest of All, over the mercy seat and the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV renders the verse, “keep thy foot.” In short, like the NKJV version, the idea is to walk circumspectly, to be aware of where and why we’re going where we’re going.

Wrestling With Doubt

Oxford defines the word “doubt,” as a “feeling of uncertainty,” or to, “disbelieve or mistrust someone.” For the Christian, doubt is a serious offense; it is a faith-based four letter word, tantamount to blasphemy for any who dare to express its reality in our lives…or is it?

Is doubt really as awful as all of that? Can a saint experience doubt, and is it wrong to do so? What does the Bible say about doubt, and how does it impact our faith? Can faith exist in the presence of doubt? There are really so many questions that can be asked about this topic. To pursue answers, we shall turn our attention to the gospels.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Four, Parables & Reality

Ecclesiastes 4:13 Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more. [14] For he comes out of prison to be king, although he was born poor in his kingdom. [15] I saw all the living who walk under the sun; they were with the second youth who stands in his place. [16] There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

It could be that the preacher is reflecting on himself in this passage as the old and foolish king that will no longer accept admonition, see 1 Kings 11:4-6, 10, 11. And indeed, God raised up not only enemies, but a successor in the form of Jeroboam who would lead away 10 of the tribes to northern Israel, which would later become Samaria.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Four, Solidarity

Ecclesiastes 4:11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone?

“Again,” signifies that the preacher wishes to return to the same topic, but to approach it from a different perspective. This time, rather than partnership he refers to the most intimate companion one may find: a spouse.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Four, Falling Alone

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. [10] For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.

The Tanakh renders verse 9, “Two are better off than one, in that they have greater benefit from their earnings.” The NASB translates it, “they have a good return for their labor.” The HCSB reads, “They have a good reward for their efforts.” The idea here is one of professional companionship, or a business partner. A business partner must be like-minded, since their venture will make or break their prospects and fortune. We read in Amos, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Amos 3:3.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Four, Laboring For Nought

Ecclesiastes 4:7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun: [8] There is one alone, without companion: he has neither son nor brother, yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, “For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?” This also is vanity and a grave misfortune (lit. evil task).

As verse 6 began to touch upon the theme of the workaholic, the preacher focuses on this idea. He states that he returned and witnessed vanity or futility under the sun. Rather than an academic observation, we must assume that the preacher is bearing witness to a man whose lifestyle is summarized in this passage. Perhaps the preacher knows him well, or just in passing; but he knows of him well enough to define his life and pursuit.

Ecclesiastes Chapter 4, Work Ethic

Ecclesiastes 4:4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. [5] The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. [6] Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.

There is a universal, horizontal theme to explore with this passage. Bereft of God’s presence providing purpose to human existence, man must find his own. Or in other words, since we cannot look vertically to the heavens, where the Creator defines objective reality and truth for us, we look horizontally to our fellow man, and inwardly to ourselves for meaning.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Four, No Comforter

Ecclesiastes 4:1 Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter–on the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter.

This is in part a call back to Ecclesiastes 3:16, referring to those in power judging wickedly on behalf of those that can recompense them. We learn that the oppressed weep, but they have no one to comfort them for the injustices they suffer. Meanwhile those that enact oppression have power. The Hebrew word for “power” in this verse is, “kowach,” and means, “to be firm, vigor, or literally to use force in a good or bad way.”

The Peculiar War On Gender

In light of Mother’s Day being observed yesterday, I would like to focus on the peculiar effort, especially in our country, to dismantle the objective reality of gender. Since the creation of mankind there have been two genders, male and female. Why? Because together they can sexually cohabit and procreate, producing the next generation of mankind. In fact, it was the initial command of God to Adam and Eve (a biological man and woman) to, “be fruitful and multiply,” Genesis 1:28.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, What Comes After

Ecclesiastes 3:21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth? [22] So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

The preacher is asking a poignant question here. The NASB renders verse 21 thus: “Who knows that the breath of man ascends upward and the breath of the beast descends downward to the earth?” It is an existential or philosophical question that has pricked the hearts of humanity since the dawn of our existence. Does man possess a soul? Does a person survive death? Do we, like the animals, simply fall asleep and return to the primordial dust?

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, The Great Leveler

Ecclesiastes 3:18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” [19] For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them all: as one dies, so does the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. [20] All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all return to dust.

The word “tests,” in verse 18 is rendered “manifest” in the KJV. It is the Hebrew word “barar,” and it means “to clarify (i.e. to brighten), examine, or select.” It is used only 18 times in the Old Testament and is variously translated: choice, chosen, clean, clearly, manifest, bright, purge out, polished, purge, and purified.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, God Renders Judgment

Ecclesiastes 3:16 Moreover I saw under the sun: in the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there. [17] I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Escalating from verses 14 and 15, the preacher states that he observed an injustice under the sun. Instead of men in authority rendering judgment, there was wickedness, presumably due to the corruption of human judgment through covetousness. Sound judgment should walk hand in hand with righteousness, but rather than that, the preacher discovered iniquity, also meaning wickedness.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Repetition Ad Infinitum

 Ecclesiastes 3:15 That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires [lit. seeks] an account of what is past.

Verse 15 reverts to the superficial nihilism that Ecclesiastes is replete with. Life under the sun is a circular one, with new faces performing the seemingly eternal tasks mankind is labored with, while progressing not at all.

Easter Sunday: The Resurrection

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25, 26.

“Because I live, you will live also,” John 14:19

The history of Easter is a controversial one, if we are referring to the timing of it, its etymology, and its pagan roots. But I have discussed this in prior posts, and other, better writers have tackled this topic at great length.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Permanence

Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.

The preacher frames his understanding of God in extremely laudatory tones. God is all powerful, or omnipotent. Whatever Elohim chooses to do, no one can withstand it, and nothing can be added to it; neither can anyone take away from it. Among the things God has done is this: “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures,” James 1:18.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Reality Verses Perception

Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, [13] and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor–it is the gift of God.

Remember that throughout this letter the preacher does not refer to God as Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, but rather as Elohim, the Creator God established in the opening chapter of Genesis. God is revealed to all men of every society throughout history through human conscience and the natural order, Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:20, etc.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Craving Eternity

So work is a means God chose to sustain our mortal bodies while on earth. But we become occupied with it, becoming workaholics or shunning work altogether and seeking a means to avoid honest gain. Yet the only thing that we are supposed to become this occupied with is God’s presence and kingdom, and how to advance His gospel. We’ve taken a vehicle to provide for the needs of the body and made it into something it was not meant to be, and therein lies the source of human vexation with work. Hollowing it out and shedding its original intention, work becomes either an opportunity for autonomy when we strike it rich, or crushing drudgery when we are trapped in a “dead end job.”

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, God Makes Life Beautiful

Ecclesiastes 3:9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? [10] I have seen the God given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. [11] He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Many Seasons

 Ecclesiastes 3:5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; [6] A time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; [7] A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; [8] A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace.

The preacher continues his list of building verses tearing down. Of note there is the time to embrace, or refrain from it. The idea of embracing here does not suggest a lover’s embrace specifically, but the notion of accepting the camaraderie or affection of another. It even seems to intimate the idea of clasping hands, as in the unspoken token of agreement between parties.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Celebration & Mourning

 Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

We had discussed earlier in this book how the preacher eschewed the house of mirth and opted instead for the house of mourning. Why? Because grief and tragedy brought sobriety of mind to understand the nature of life. Life isn’t about frivolity and joviality. The human penchant, or perhaps I should say the western penchant, for seeking entertainment above all things has thrown human perception out of balance.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Times & Seasons

 Ecclesiastes 3:2b A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; [3] A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

The cycle of life and death is explored a little differently from the perspective of the farmer. Clearly ancient Israel would relate well to this concept of planting and harvesting. The seeds are planted with the expectation of them to grow into maturity, with their purpose being to feed those who do the work.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Universal Seasons

 Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: [2a] A time to be born and a time to die;

The universality and inclusiveness of the preacher’s statement may be gleaned with the first portion of verse 2. There is a time to be born, that moment that brings every individual into this world. It is universal in the sense that everyone shares this entry into existence.

Finding God 101, Part Two

Many know of God. But there is a distinct difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them personally. I know about all manner of people from actors and politicians to scientists and musicians. But I have never met them and know nothing of real substance concerning their inner thoughts and workings. People are nuanced creatures, filled with ideas and opinions that, as social beings, they are interested in sharing. 

Finding God 101, Part One

 Sometimes it’s good to go back to basics. And what could be more basic than the identity of God? Many people use the name of God, but not everyone is speaking the same language. The Mormon, Muslim, and Christian Science member all mean something different when they employ the name of God. Not everyone who says that they believe in God, actually believes in a personal being that sent His Son to incarnate on the earth as a Man to pay for the sins of mankind. Clarification is necessary when approaching seemingly familiar terms when conversing with someone. Terms like God, faith, church, etc., mean different things to different people. It boils down to who they sat at the feet of, and what was taught to them.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, To Whom God Gives

 Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

As Henry Morris points out, the preacher never refers to God as Yahweh, Israel’s covenant God and redeemer. No, He is known as Elohim, the Creator of the universe and mankind’s maker. Saved or unsaved, sinner or saint, God reigns over His creation, and every soul no matter their eternal state, is answerable to Him. This is Elohim, the Creator God of Genesis, before He reveals His covenant name through Moses to Israel prior to the Exodus.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Enjoying The Moment

 Ecclesiastes 2:24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. [25] For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?

The preacher resorts to the commendation of enjoying what one is engrossed in to derive gratification. Labor is satisfactory when it yields pleasing results, or results the laborer intended or foresaw and then brought to pass. A meal is best enjoyed to gratify genuine hunger, especially after laboring successfully in whatever endeavor man applies himself to.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, What Is Gained?

Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? [23] For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.

This accusation is a broad stroke involving not just human vocation, but every work man does under Heaven. The idea then involves our work, pastimes, hobbies, thoughts, family time, et al. The effort we expend in our many pursuits great or small are encompassed by this indictment.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Anger Turns To Despair

Ecclesiastes 2:20 Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. [21] For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

The preacher is focusing on inheritance, succession, and generational dissonance. By generational dissonance, I simply mean the disconnect one generation feels when viewing the younger generation destined to succeed them. This has been the preacher’s line of thought since Ecclesiastes 2:12.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Mounting Frustration

Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind. [18] Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. [19] And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I have toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

Verse 17 begins with the grapes souring on the vine. The payoff in this verse can be traced back to verse 14, where the preacher commends the wisdom of the wise man, because he walks with his eyes in front of his head. The fool, however, stumbles in darkness, but despite this difference a singular, glaring similarity makes praise die on the preacher’s tongue.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Questioning Wisdom's Value

Ecclesiastes 2:15 So I said in my heart, “As it happens to the fool, it also happens to me, and why was I then more wise?” Then I said in my heart, “This also is vanity.” [16] For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool!

The preacher refers to himself in the first person here, contrasting his mental acumen to that of the infamous fool. He was wise; other men were fools. Yet both wise and foolish perish. The foolish lived, well, foolishly. But it did not benefit them, or hinder them, any more than the wise man who practiced his wisdom and walked with his eyes in his head.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, One Fateful Event

Ecclesiastes 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. [14] The wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I perceived that the same event happens to them all.

The preacher makes a very great confession in this passage that reveals in not so many words the crux of his burden. He begins well, admitting that wisdom is better than folly. To practice folly of course is to play the fool. We read in Proverbs, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him,” Proverbs 26:4. Conversely, it is also written, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes,” Proverbs 26:5.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Changing Of The Guard

Ecclesiastes 2:12 Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what can the man do who succeeds the king?—only what he has already done.

The consideration of the preacher settles on a particular topic: his reign. The preacher was the wisest, richest, most powerful king in Jerusalem that ever was, and by God’s admission, would ever be, outside the of the Lord Jesus Christ. In verses 10 and 11 he contemplated materialism and hedonism, and how he did gain superficial pleasure or a sense of accomplishment when he reflected on what he had done.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, The Failure Of Accomplishment

Ecclesiastes 2:10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor. [11] Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.

The preacher ventures into what may be categorized as rampant hedonism at this point. Oxford defines hedonism as, “behavior based on the belief that pleasure is the most important thing in life.” There is a modern American saying in our popular culture, “if it feels good, do it.” Or more to quote the musical artist Leon Bridges’ song title, “If it feels good (Then it must be).”

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Kings Among Kings

Ecclesiastes 2:8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds. [9] So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.

The list of accomplishments and accolades continues. At this point, and at this pace it is really more of an onslaught as the preacher boasts, as Paul once foolishly boasted, in the accomplishments of the flesh. The pinnacle of human grandeur and achievement is touted in the preacher’s person, who, for the third time in this book, claims that he is greater than all who were in Jerusalem before him.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Acquisition

Ecclesiastes 2:4 I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. [5] I made myself gardens, and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. [6] I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. [7] I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me.

The first item to note in this passage is the plural. Everything the preacher makes mention of is in plural. His works are plural. His houses and vineyards, gardens, orchards and fruit trees, servants and flocks are plural. The man did nothing half way and denied himself nothing, see Ecclesiastes 2:10.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, The Question Of Alcohol

Ecclesiastes 2:3 I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives.

The Tanakh renders the opening of this verse, “I ventured to tempt my flesh with wine, and to grasp folly, while letting my mind direct with wisdom.” The NIV translates the verse’s opening as, “I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom.” The preacher is looking to use an intoxicant to, as he states it, “gratify my flesh.” 

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Testing Mirth

Ecclesiastes 2:2 I said of laughter—“Madness!”; and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?”

Remember, the preacher’s first objective was to test the path of pleasure through wisdom. He already deemed the entire affair to be vanity, but he presses on. First, he focuses on laughter.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Two, Pursuing Pleasure

Ecclesiastes 2:1 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure”; but surely, this also was vanity.

The Hebrew term for “mirth” is “simchah,” and means, “blithesomeness or glee.” Furthermore it is explained that the term is both an external expression for joy, and the representation of the abstract feeling or concept of joy. Synonyms for joy include happiness, delight, or pleasure.

Molehills: The Ecumenical Movement

Oxford defines “ecumenism” as, “the aim of promoting unity among the world’s Christian Churches.” A surface inspection suggests that this is a noble, admirable goal. After all, Scripture states that Christians should endeavor, “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” Ephesians 4:3. Psalm 133, which I could quote in its entirety regarding the topic, says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Wisdom's Burden

Ecclesiastes 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

The preacher here states that the truly wise are likewise genuinely burdened. To be wise and to acquire knowledge makes one aware and accountable. If you know, and do not act, it is evil. Even the secular saying, alleged to have been spoken by Edward Burke, agrees with this. “All that is necessary for evil to triumph in the world is for good men to do nothing.” To be “good” posits the requisite knowledge that we are self-aware of evil’s corruption in human lives, disagree with evil’s worldview, and being thusly aware, choose to disregard said knowledge.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Wisdom, Madness, & Folly

Ecclesiastes 1:17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.

The preacher determines to know three things at the outset: he wishes to know wisdom first and foremost. The foundational wisdom the prudent Hebrew subscribed to was written in Proverbs. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” Proverbs 9:10.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Credentials

Ecclesiastes 1:16 I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.”

The preacher introspects, considering the credentials he has for scrutinizing the monumental task set before him. He is mustering confidence by attributing to himself greatness. He extols his efforts, counseling himself to “look,” on what he is and has accomplished. If there was a man under Heaven that could unravel this cosmic mystery and shed light on human purpose under the sun, it is feasible that he is such a man.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, The Absence Of Merit

Ecclesiastes 1:15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered.

The present verse has the preacher phrasing verse 14 differently. In the previous verse, the preacher states how he witnessed all things done under the sun, that is, the work God has given to mankind. Furthermore, he notes the utter futility of it all. It is tantamount to grasping after the wind, which is an excellent depiction of an impossible task.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Beholding Futility

Ecclesiastes 1:13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. [14] I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

The preacher sets out to determine whether what is done under Heaven has purpose of itself. In his own words, he set his heart to diligently seek out an answer; the compound descriptor emphasizing the sobriety and gravity of the seeker’s intention and effort. More than that, the preacher sought these things by wisdom.

Canticles of Andurun Volume Five Available on Amazon

By the grace of God and the diligence of my devoted wife and her artistic skills (she creates the covers for my fantasy fiction), The Canticles of Andurun Book 5: Ascent of Shadows is available starting today on Amazon! I am so pleased and feel very blessed to be able to finally move forward with my fiction series! The novel is available in soft cover and Kindle versions, and I am presently hoping that the sixth volume in the series can be out by January next year. God bless!

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Who Is The Preacher?

Ecclesiastes 1:12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

Verse 12 clearly gives a strong indictment as to the identity of the preacher. The writer does not identify himself with northern Samaria or southern Judah, as they would become in the wake of the rebellion Jeroboam led against Rehoboam after his accession to the throne. No, only three men qualify for a united Israel from the throne of Jerusalem. Saul is disqualified simply because we are informed that the preacher is king over Israel from Jerusalem, a city that David took from the Jebusites during his reign, 2 Samuel 5:6-9. We read, “In Hebron [David] reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty three years over all Israel and Judah,” 2 Samuel 2:5:5.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Old & Forgotten

Ecclesiastes 1:10 Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us. [11] There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come by those who come after.

Amazingly, these first 11 verses form a sort of primer for the weightier material the preacher is about to examine and give his insight on. One may say that this introduction was a sweeping overview of the issue (the purpose for man’s labor) and his rebuttal to an argument for purpose under the sun: there isn’t one. Not one that is universal and absolutely satisfies the craving eyes and ears of humanity.

Prayer Request For Joanne

Good evening all. I would like to bring this matter before my readership and request that prayer and supplication are made on behalf of Joanne, the grandmother of one of my employees. My employee came to work today with the distressing news that his grandmother was diagnosed with cancer.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Vain Repetition

Ecclesiastes 1:9 That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.

Verse 9 solidifies the former passage, summarizing the preacher’s observations about life under the sun. Anything formerly experienced by preceding generations will be “what is new” for the generations that follow, typifying the old saying that there are no new things, only old things happening to new people.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Filled With Labor

Ecclesiastes 1:8 All things are full of labor; man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Verse 8 is the culmination of the previous four verses. In fact, verse 3 actually begins a rhetorical question that is nonetheless explored in the following five verses, finishing with verse 8.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Circular Nature

Ecclesiastes 1:6 The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north; the wind whirls about continually, and comes again on its circuit. [7] All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; to the place from which the rivers come, there they return again.

While these verses are not meant to specifically be scientifically accurate statements as we would construe such things in modernity, yet they do aptly describe the weather system and hydration. The winds the preacher refers to constitute a global circulation that does indeed form what the preacher referred to as a “circuit.” The hydrological cycle, discovered and proven in modern times, reveals that the rivers receive their hydration from oceanic evaporation, thus creating a cyclical nature of rainfall.

Ecclesiastes Chapter One, Rise & Fall

Ecclesiastes 1:5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it arose.

The book of Ecclesiastes is found in the Tanakh, the Jewish Bible, in the collection of the writings, or the Kethuvim. To be specific, the Jewish Bible is comprised of the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. Amongst the writings may be found poetic narratives such as the Psalms, Song of Songs, or Lamentations. There are also historical writings in the form of Ruth, Ezra, Nehemiah and 1 and 2 Chronicles. 1 Chronicles in the Tanakh is the book of 1 and 2 Kings in the Christian Bible.

Hebrews Commentary On Amazon

 

I'm happy to relate that my newest expositional commenatry is available on Amazon, for sale

in both soft cover and Kindle. The link is at the bottom of my blog page, along with my older commentaries for any interested parties. I feel very blessed for being able to finish this particular book, one of my absolute favorite reads in Scripture. Thank you, and God bless!