4 I have seen that every [effort in] labor and every skill in work comes from man’s rivalry with his neighbor. a verse by verse commentary on ecclesiastes chapter 4 dealing with oppression,toil and friendlessness. Oppressions increase vanity, Vanity increased by envy, idleness, covetousness. the changes of royalty. than to be old, foolish and have great wealth and status. So, in these chapters we get a good cross-section of issues of life and how to approach them. Evil Under the Sun. C. H. Spurgeon said of this work, "Thoroughly exegetical, with excellent , scopes of argument' following each division; to be purchased if found:' An excellent work. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Wherever we turn, we see melancholy proofs of the wickedness and misery of mankind, who try to create trouble to themselves and to each other. Ecclesiastes 4 is the fourth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. Click on the different category headings to find out more. The distant relations or strangers who inherit such a man's wealth, never thank him. Ungodly men have most cause to wish the continuance of life with all its vexations, as a far more miserable condition awaits them if they die in their sins. Promises made to God have serious implications. Proud member Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 records Solomon's analysis of four types of workers. A profane sentiment if severed from its connection; but just in its bearing on Solomon's scope. Independent Success. 2 And I () thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. With his under the sun premise, this thought brought the familiar conclusion to the Preacher: Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind. Ecclesiastes 4 commentary 1. Salem Media Group. He has enough for his calling, for his family, but he has not enough for his eyes. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own I made me great works — Magnificent works, for my honour and delight. Introduction: The Preacher, the author of Ecclesiastes. 2. Princes see themselves slighted by those they have studied to oblige; this is vanity and vexation of spirit. I made me gardens — Hebrew, paradises, or gardens of pleasure; I planted trees, &c. — Mixing pleasure and profit together. 4. (Verse 7,8.) Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Eccl. Ecclesiastes 4 Commentary, this commentary provides a free-flowing commentary on the entire text of each biblical book, along with background material. JAMES M. MACDONALD THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES EXPLAINED. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 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. ii. On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 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. Covetousness gathers strength by time and habit; men tottering on the brink of the grave, grow more grasping and griping. Keith Simons. 4:13; 9:15[twice],16) and means "a poor man." ECCLESIASTES 4 COMME TARY EDITED BY GLE PEASE Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness 1 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. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! The Old Testament background for this admonition is found (in Deut. He appears to have disgustedly turned his attention from the corrupted halls of justice to the marketplace, watching and analyzing as people worked. Eccl. Ecclesiastes 4. St-Takla.org > bible > commentary > en > all > ot > ecclesiastes Contact St-Takla.org website You can contact us through this form, or directly through mobile/WhatsApp: 002 01287627004 (Michael Ghaly). of no comforter--twice said to express continued suffering without … power--MAURER, not so well, "violence." For all that, and in spite of that (gam has here this meaning, as at Ecclesiastes 6:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalm 129:2; Ewald, 354a), posterity (הא, as at Ecclesiastes 1:11; cf. Find the right balance in regard to work and appreciate the benefits of companionship. 23:21-23 and Judges 11:35). Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Ecclesiastes Chapter 4. The author of Ecclesiastes calls himself the ‘king in the city called Jerusalem’ (Ecclesiastes 1:1). Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Subscribe to a study package to unlock the ESV Study Bible, the interactive Knowing the Bible study series, the Preaching the Word commentary series, and more. David A. Hubbard — Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon (The Preacher’s Commentary, 2002). (4-6) Success often gains the envy of one’s neighbor. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. 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. Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4: 4-6. Commentary for Ecclesiastes 4 . i. Ecclesiastes 4 ESV - Evil Under the Sun - Again I saw all - Bible Gateway. (13-16)1-3 It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Benson Commentary. Ecclesiastes 4 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is one of the most respected interdenominational commentaries ever written. troubles from envy. He was famous because he spoke wise words (Ecclesiastes 12:9). Verses 1-3 It grieved Solomon to see might prevail against right. Peshitta, Targum, and Talmud attribute the authorship of the book to King Solomon. Oppressions increase vanity:(In verses 1-3), the author considers the thought that oppression is so great in the world that the oppressed would actually be better off dead, thus rending death more appealing. The folly of covetousness. 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Education Details: Ecclesiastes A2 Classic Bible Study Guide 3 Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 Solomon had dived into nature's depths (1 Kings 4:33), and he had it, more of it perhaps than ever any man had. Ecclesiastes 4 Commentary: In Ecclesiastes 4 and 5 the Preacher wants to talk to us about the following subjects: Oppression; Work; Companionship; Wisdom; God; Riches; Enjoying life; And really – what more is there to life? Ecclesiastes 4:1-16. 4:13 "poor" This Hebrew term (BDB 587) is found only four times in Ecclesiastes (cf. Verses 7-8 Frequently, the more men have, the more they would have; and on this they are so intent, that they get no enjoyment from what they have. This is commonly applied – and well applied – to the idea of recognizing and embracing God in the marriage relationship. The three-ply cord was proverbial in the marriage relationship singing his praises * Israel ( Ecclesiastes 3:16, 35:9... By Jehovah ’ s commentary, 2002 ) generation goes and a generation goes and a generation comes, this! Address we allow you to block them here have disgustedly turned his attention from the halls... Published by Jehovah ’ s answer in Romans 4:1-8 and skill and have wealth. To a threefold cord poor '' this Hebrew term ( BDB 587 ) is found only four times Ecclesiastes... Peshitta, Targum, and eateth his own flesh [ destroying himself by and... Is vanity and grasping for the dream comes through much effort and the of. 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