Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Ecclesiastes

[Armed and Dangerous]

What is the true meaning behind this chapter? I’m kinda confused on what the underlying messages are. Any information would be appreciated

[jimwalton]

I'll give you some of the thoughts of others.

The NIV Study Bible: "The point: we are subject to times and changes over which we have little or no control, and the writer contrasts this with God’s eternity and sovereignty."

Kaiser, and Keil & Delitzsch: "Enjoyment and happiness, if they are ever going to be within man’s reach, must come as direct gifts from God to men of faith."

Leland Ryken: "Verse 1-8: Time is viewed from a human perspective as orderly (positive). Although the passage implies human limitation, it is not a passage of despair. Implicitly rejecting such perennial solutions to the problem of time as hedonism, fatalistic despair, and asceticism, this passage encourages acceptance and realistic optimism (realizing that time brings both good and bad)."

Jacques Ellul: "He is not pronouncing moral judgment, but only observing the entire reality of human life."