The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV, page 310
25:15 l Prov. 15:1
25:18 m Ps. 57:4; Prov. 12:18
25:20 n Dan. 6:18
25:21 o Ex. 23:4, 5; 2 Kin. 6:22; 2 Chr. 28:15; Matt. 5:44; Rom. 12:20
25:22 p 2 Sam. 16:12; (Matt. 6:4, 6)
25:23 q Ps. 101:5
25:24 r Prov. 19:13
25:25 s Prov. 15:30
25:26 3 ruined
25:27 t Prov. 27:2; (Luke 14:11)
25:28 u Prov. 16:32
Proverbs 26
26:1 a 1 Sam. 12:17
26:2 b Num. 23:8; Deut. 23:5; 2 Sam. 16:12
26:3 c Ps. 32:9; Prov. 19:29
26:5 d Matt. 16:1–4; Rom. 12:16
26:10 1 Heb. difficult in v. 10; ancient and modern translators differ greatly
26:11 e 2 Pet. 2:22
26:11 f Ex. 8:15
26:12 g Prov. 29:20; Luke 18:11, 12; (Rev. 3:17)
26:13 2 Or plazas, squares
26:15 h Prov. 19:24
26:15 3 LXX, Syr. bosom; Tg., Vg. armpit
26:19 i Eph. 5:4
26:20 4 gossip or slanderer, lit. whisperer
26:21 j Prov. 15:18
26:22 5 gossip or slanderer
26:22 6 A Jewish tradition wounds
26:22 7 Lit. rooms of the belly
26:25 k Ps. 28:3; Prov. 26:23; Jer. 9:8
26:25 8 Lit. his voice is gracious
26:27 l Esth. 7:10; Ps. 7:15; Prov. 28:10; Eccl. 10:8
26:28 m Prov. 29:5
Proverbs 27
27:1 a Luke 12:19–21; James 4:13–16
27:2 b Prov. 25:27; 2 Cor. 10:12, 18; 12:11
27:4 c Prov. 6:34; 1 John 3:12
27:5 d (Prov. 28:23); Gal. 2:14
27:6 e Matt. 26:49
27:7 1 tramples on
27:9 2 Lit. counsel of the soul
27:10 f Prov. 17:17; 18:24
27:11 g Prov. 10:1; 23:15–26
27:12 h Prov. 22:3
27:15 i Prov. 19:13
27:16 3 Lit. hides
27:18 j 2 Kin. 18:31; Song 8:12; Is. 36:16; (1 Cor. 3:8; 9:7–13); 2 Tim. 2:6
27:18 4 protects or tends
27:20 k Prov. 30:15, 16; Hab. 2:5
27:20 l Eccl. 1:8; 4:8
27:20 5 Or Sheol
27:20 6 Heb. Abaddon
27:21 m Prov. 17:3
27:22 n Prov. 23:35; 26:11; Jer. 5:3
27:23 o Prov. 24:27
27:25 p Ps. 104:14
Proverbs 28
28:1 a Lev. 26:17, 36; Ps. 53:5
28:3 b Matt. 18:28
28:3 1 Lit. and there is no bread
28:4 c Ps. 49:18; Rom. 1:32
28:4 d 1 Kin. 18:18; Neh. 13:11, 15; Matt. 3:7; 14:4; Eph. 5:11
28:5 e Ps. 92:6; Is. 6:9; 44:18
28:5 f Ps. 119:100; Prov. 2:9; John 17:17; 1 Cor. 2:15; (1 John 2:20, 27)
28:9 g Ps. 66:18; 109:7; Prov. 15:8
28:10 h Ps. 7:15; Prov. 26:27
28:10 i (Matt. 6:33; Heb. 6:12; 1 Pet. 3:9)
28:12 j Prov. 11:10; 29:2
28:12 2 Lit. will be searched for
28:13 k Ps. 32:3–5; 1 John 1:8–10
28:15 l Prov. 19:12; 1 Pet. 5:8
28:15 m Ex. 1:14; Prov. 29:2; Matt. 2:16
28:16 n Eccl. 10:16; Is. 3:12
28:17 o Gen. 9:6
28:18 3 delivered
28:19 p Prov. 12:11; 20:13
28:20 q Prov. 13:11; 20:21; 23:4; 1 Tim. 6:9
28:21 r Prov. 18:5
28:21 s Ezek. 13:19
28:21 4 Lit. recognize faces
28:22 t Prov. 21:5
28:23 u Prov. 27:5, 6
28:24 v Prov. 18:9
28:25 w Prov. 13:10
28:25 x Prov. 29:25; 1 Tim. 6:6
28:26 y Prov. 3:5
28:27 z Deut. 15:7; Prov. 19:17; 22:9
28:28 a Job 24:4
Proverbs 29
29:1 a 2 Chr. 36:16; Prov. 6:15
29:2 b Esth. 8:15; Prov. 28:12
29:2 c Esth. 4:3
29:2 1 become great
29:5 d Prov. 26:28
29:7 e Job 29:16; Ps. 41:1; Prov. 31:8, 9
29:8 f Prov. 11:11
29:9 g Matt. 11:17
29:10 h Gen. 4:5–8; 1 John 3:12
29:10 2 Lit. soul or life
29:11 i Prov. 14:33
29:11 3 Lit. spirit
29:13 j (Matt. 5:45)
29:14 k Ps. 72:4; Is. 11:4
29:15 l Prov. 22:15
29:16 m Ps. 37:34; Prov. 21:12
29:18 n 1 Sam. 3:1; Ps. 74:9; Amos 8:11, 12
29:18 o Prov. 8:32; John 13:17
29:18 4 prophetic vision
29:20 p Prov. 26:12
29:22 q Prov. 26:21
29:23 r Job 22:29; Prov. 15:33; 18:12; Is. 66:2; Dan. 4:30; Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14; Acts 12:23; (James 4:6–10; 1 Pet. 5:5, 6)
29:24 s Lev. 5:1
29:24 5 Lit. hears the adjuration or oath
29:25 t Gen. 12:12; 20:2; Luke 12:4; John 12:42, 43
29:25 6 secure, lit. set on high
29:26 u Ps. 20:9
29:26 7 Lit. face
Proverbs 30
30:2 a Ps. 73:22; Prov. 12:1
30:3 b (Prov. 9:10)
30:4 c (Ps. 68:18; John 3:13)
30:4 d Job 38:4; Ps. 104:3; Is. 40:12
30:5 e Ps. 12:6; 19:8; 119:140
30:5 f Ps. 18:30; 84:11; 115:9–11
30:5 1 tested, refined, found pure
30:6 g Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Rev. 22:18
30:8 h Job 23:12; Matt. 6:11; (Phil. 4:19)
30:9 i Deut. 8:12–14; Neh. 9:25, 26; Hos. 13:6
30:11 j Ex. 21:17; Prov. 20:20
30:12 k (Prov. 16:2); Is. 65:5; Luke 18:11; (Titus 1:15, 16)
30:13 l Ps. 131:1; Prov. 6:17; Is. 2:11; 5:15
30:13 2 In arrogance
30:14 m Job 29:17; Ps. 52:2
30:14 n Ps. 14:4; Amos 8:4
30:16 o Prov. 27:20; Hab. 2:5
30:16 3 Or Sheol
30:17 p Gen. 9:22; Lev. 20:9; Prov. 20:20
30:19 4 Lit. heart
30:22 q Prov. 19:10; Eccl. 10:7
30:23 5 Or hated
30:25 r Prov. 6:6
30:26 s Lev. 11:5; Ps. 104:18
30:26 6 rock hyraxes
30:28 7 Or lizard
30:31 8 Or perhaps strutting rooster, lit. girded of waist
30:31 9 A Jewish tradition a king against whom there is no uprising
30:32 t Job 21:5; 40:4; Mic. 7:16
Proverbs 31
31:2 a Is. 49:15
31:3 b Prov. 5:9
31:3 c Deut. 17:17; 1 Kin. 11:1; Neh. 13:26; Prov. 7:26; Hos. 4:11
31:4 d Eccl. 10:17
31:5 e Hos. 4:11
31:5 1 Lit. sons of affliction
31:6 f Ps. 104:15
31:8 g Job 29:15, 16; Ps. 82
31:8 2 Lit. sons of passing away
31:9 h Lev. 19:15; Deut. 1:16
31:9 i Job 29:12; Is. 1:17; Jer. 22:16
31:10 j Ruth 3:11; Prov. 12:4; 19:14
31:10 3 Vv. 10–31 are an alphabetic acrostic in Hebrew; cf. Ps. 119
31:10 4 Lit. a wife of valor, in the sense of all forms of excellence
31:15 k Prov. 20:13; Rom. 12:11
31:15 l Luke 12:42
31:16 5 Lit. the fruit of her hands
31:20 m Deut. 15:11; Job 31:16–20; Prov. 22:9; Rom. 12:13; Eph. 4:28; Heb. 13:16
31:23 n Prov. 12:4
Introduction to Ecclesiastes
Title
The English title, Ecclesiastes, comes from the Greek and Latin translations of Solomon’s book. The LXX used the Greek term ekkle¯siaste¯s for its title. It means “preacher,” derived from the word ekkle¯sia, translated “assembly” or “congregation” in the NT. Both the Greek and Latin versions derive their titles from the Hebrew title, Qoheleth, which means “one who calls or gathers” the people. It refers to the one who addresses the assembly; hence, the preacher (cf. 1:1, 2, 12; 7:27; 12:8–10). Along with Ruth, Song of Solomon, Esther, and Lamentations, Ecclesiastes stands with the OT books of the Megilloth, or “five scrolls.” Later rabbis read these books in the synagogue on 5 special occasions during the year—Ecclesiastes being read on Pentecost.
Author and Date
The autobiographical profile of the book’s writer unmistakably points to Solomon. Evidence abounds such as: 1) the titles fit Solomon, “son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1) and “king over Israel in Jerusalem” (1:12); 2) the author’s moral odyssey chronicles Solomon’s life (1 Kin. 2–11); and 3) the role of one who “taught the people knowledge” and wrote “many proverbs” (12:9) corresponds to his life. All point to Solomon, the son of David, as the author.
Once Solomon is accepted as the author, the date and occasion become clear. Solomon was writing, probably in his latter years (no later than ca. 931 B.C.), primarily to warn the young people of his kingdom, without omitting others. He warned them to avoid walking through life on the path of human wisdom; he exhorted them to live by the revealed wisdom of God (12:9–14).
Background and Setting
Solomon’s reputation for possessing extraordinary wisdom fits the Ecclesiastes profile. David recognized his son’s wisdom (1 Kin. 2:6, 9) before God gave Solomon an additional measure. After he received a “wise and understanding heart” from the LORD (1 Kin. 3:7-12), Solomon gained renown for being exceedingly wise by rendering insightful decisions (1 Kin. 3:16-28), a reputation that attracted “all the kings of the earth” to his courts (1 Kin. 4:34). In addition, he composed songs and proverbs (1 Kin. 4:32; cf. 12:9), activity befitting only the ablest of sages. Solomon’s wisdom, like Job’s wealth, surpassed the wisdom “of all the people of the east” (1 Kin. 4:30; Job 1:3).
The book is applicable to all who would listen and benefit, not so much from Solomon’s experiences, but from the principles he drew as a result. Its aim is to answer some of life’s most challenging questions, particularly where they seem contrary to Solomon’s expectations. This has led some unwisely to take the view that Ecclesiastes is a book of skepticism. But in spite of amazingly unwise behavior and thinking, Solomon never let go of his faith in God (12:13, 14).
Historical and Theological Themes
As is true with most biblical Wisdom literature, little historical narrative occurs in Ecclesiastes, apart from Solomon’s own personal pilgrimage. The kingly sage studied life with high expectations but repeatedly bemoaned its shortcomings, which he acknowledged were due to the curse (Gen. 3:14-19). Ecclesiastes represents the painful autobiography of Solomon who, for much of his life, squandered God’s blessings on his own personal pleasure rather than God’s glory. He wrote to warn subsequent generations not to make the same tragic error, in much the same manner as Paul wrote to the Corinthians (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18-31; 2:13-16).
The Heb. word translated “vanity,” “vanities,” and “vain life” expresses the futile attempt to be satisfied apart from God. This word is used 38 times expressing the many things hard to understand about life. All earthly goals and ambitions when pursued as ends in themselves produce only emptiness. Paul was probably echoing Solomon’s dissatisfaction when he wrote, “…the creation was subjected to futility” (Solomon’s “vanity”; Rom. 8:19–21). Solomon’s experience with the effects of the curse (see Gen. 3:17–19) led him to view life as “chasing after the wind.”
Solomon asked, “What profit has a man from all his labor…?” (1:3), a question he repeated in 2:22 and 3:9. The wise king gave over a considerable portion of the book to addressing this dilemma. The impossibility of discovering both the inner workings of God’s creation and the personal providence of God in Solomon’s life were also deeply troubling to the king, as they were to Job. But the reality of judgment for all, despite many unknowns, emerged as the great certainty. In light of this judgment by God, the only fulfilled life is one lived in proper recognition of God and service to Him. Any other kind of life is frustrating and pointless.
A proper balance of the prominent “enjoy life” theme with that of “divine judgment” tethers the reader to Solomon’s God with the sure chord of faith. For a time, Solomon suffered from the imbalance of trying to enjoy life without regard for the fear of Yahweh’s judgment holding him on the path of obedience. In the end, he came to grasp the importance of obedience. The tragic results of Solomon’s personal experience, coupled with the insight of extraordinary wisdom, make Ecclesiastes a book from which all believers can be warned and grow in their faith (cf. 2:1-26). This book shows that if one perceives each day of existence, labor, and basic provision as a gift from God, and accepts whatever God gives, then that person lives an abundant life (cf. John 10:10). However, one who looks to be satisfied apart from God will live with futility regardless of their accumulations.
Interpretive Challenges
The author’s declaration that “all is vanity” envelops the primary message of the book (cf. 1:2; 12:8). The word translated “vanity” is used in at least 3 ways throughout the book. In each case, it looks at the nature of man’s activity “under the sun” as: 1)”fleeting,” which has in view the vapor-like (cf. James 4:14) or transitory nature of life; 2)”futile” or “meaningless,” which focuses on the cursed condition of the universe and the debilitating effects it has on man’s earthly experience; or 3) “incomprehensible” or “enigmatic,” which gives consideration to life’s unanswerable questions. Solomon draws upon all 3 meanings in Ecclesiastes.
While the context in each case will determine which meaning Solomon is focusing upon, the most recurring meaning of vanity is “incomprehensible” or “unknowable,” referring to the mysteries of God’s purposes. Solomon’s conclusion to “fear God and keep His commandments” (12:13, 14) is more than the book’s summary; it is the only hope of the good life and the only reasonable response of faith and obedience to sovereign God. He precisely works out all activities under the sun, each in its time according to His perfect plan, but also discloses only as much as His perfect wisdom dictates and holds all men accountable. Those who refuse to take God and His Word seriously are doomed to lives of the severest vanity.
Outline
The book chronicles Solomon’s investigations and conclusions regarding man’s lifework, which combine all of his activity and its potential outcomes including limited satisfaction. The role of wisdom in experiencing success surfaces repeatedly, particularly when Solomon must acknowledge that God has not revealed all of the details. This leads Solomon to the conclusion that the primary issues of life after the Edenic fall involve divine blessings to be enjoyed and the divine judgment for which all must prepare.
I. Introduction
A. Title (1:1)
B. Poem—A Life of Activity That Appears Wearisome (1:2-11)
II. Solomon’s Investigation (1:12-6:9)
A. Introduction—The King and His Investigation (1:12-18)
B. Investigation of Pleasure-Seeking (2:1-11)
C. Investigation of Wisdom and Folly (2:12-17)
D. Investigation of Labor and Rewards (2:18-6:9)
1. One has to leave them to another (2:18–26)
2. One cannot find the right time to act (3:1—4:6)
3. One often must work alone (4:7–16)
4. One can easily lose all he acquires (5:1—6:9)
III. Solomon’s Conclusions (6:10-12:8)
A. Introduction—The Problem of Not Knowing (6:10-12)
B. Man Cannot Always Find Out Which Route is the Most Successful for Him to Take Because His Wisdom is Limited (7:1-8:17)
1. On prosperity and adversity (7:1–14)
2. On justice and wickedness (7:15–24)
3. On women and folly (7:25–29)
4. On the wise man and the king (8:1–17)
C. Man Does Not Know What Will Come After Him (9:1-11:6)
1. He knows he will die (9:1–4)
2. He has no knowledge in the grave (9:5–10)
3. He does not know his time of death (9:11, 12)
4. He does not know what will happen (9:13—10:15)
5. He does not know what evil will come (10:16—11:2)
6. He does not know what good will come (11:3–6)
D. Man Should Enjoy Life, But Not Sin, Because Judgment Will Come to All (11:7-12:8)
IV. Solomon’s Final Advice (12:9-14)
The Book of
ECCLESIASTES
Ecclesiastes 1
The Vanity of Life
1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, aking in Jerusalem.
2“Vanityb1 of vanities,” says the Preacher;
“Vanity2 of vanities, call is vanity.”
3d What profit has a man from all his labor
In which he 3toils under the sun?
4One generation passes away, and another generation comes;
e But the earth abides forever.
5f The sun also rises, and the sun goes down,
And 4hastens to the place where it arose.
6g The wind goes toward the south,
And turns around to the north;
The wind whirls about continually,
And comes again on its circuit.
7h 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.
8All things are 5full of labor;
Man cannot express it.
i The eye is not satisfied with seeing,
Nor the ear filled with hearing.
9j 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.
10Is there anything of which it may be said,
“See, this is new”?
It has already been in ancient times before us.
11There is kno remembrance of former things,
Nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come
By those who will come after.
The Grief of Wisdom
12I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13And I set my heart to seek and lsearch out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; mthis burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be 6exercised.
14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.
15n What is crooked cannot be made straight,
And what is lacking cannot be numbered. The “Vanities” of Ecclesiastes (1:2; 12:8)
