Ecclesiastes 12
OGCEcclesiastes 12:1
- Remember God in your youth. Ecclesiastes 12:1
TEXT 12:1
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Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, I have no delight in them;
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 12:1
At what time in life should one remember God?
What are the evil days? (Cf. Ecclesiastes 11:8)
Young people are to enjoy and find delight in life. Is this same delight available all through life? Discuss.
PARAPHRASE 12:1
The evil days are coming! When they do come you will be unable to enjoy or find delight in them. My advice is to remember God the Creator while you are a young man and not wait until the joy of living is past,
COMMENT 12:1
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Young people are to have fun, but they are also to keep in mind who made them and why they were made. Since it is God who is the Creator, He has the right to speak through His servant and admonish toward wise behavior. Thus, not only should one remember God, he should allow God to influence all of life. Since God made man, He knows what will bring man happiness. The term Creator is definitely a reference to God as it is the participle form of the same word translated in Genesis 1:1 which speaks of God’s creative work. It is also a plural form which suggests to many a reference to the work of the Godhead.
Since youth and strength are both marked by vanitythat is they are very fleetingit is foolish to waste them. There is not a better time to follow God than in one’s youth! The open grave invites all men too soon, even as the Psalmist said, My days are like a lengthened shadow; and I wither away like grass (Psalms 102:11). Now, however, life is vigorous, the accent is on youth, the joys are sweet, the time to be alive is now. Soon the joys which are now within the reach of youth will slip away. Man always moves into the period of decline. One has wisely expressed the experience of growing old as his last days sloped gently toward the grave.
The evil days are obviously a reference to the following graphic pictures presented by the Preacher of the final, crippling stages of old age. Previously The days of darkness (Ecclesiastes 11:8), referred to the grave, but this is not the meaning here. I have no delight means that such closing years of life have lost the pleasure of youth and the prime of life. One does not find pleasure in the loss of strength, eyesight, and hearing; or does he look forward to the time when he no longer can walk or properly chew his food.
FACT QUESTIONS 12:1
What is the significance of speaking of God as Creator?
Explain what is meant by the evil days.
Ecclesiastes 12:2-8
G. DEATH COMES TO EVERY MAN. Ecclesiastes 12:2-8
TEXT 12:2-8
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before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain;
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in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim;
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and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly.
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Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street.
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Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed;
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Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
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Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, all is vanity!
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 12:2-8
Identify all that will be withheld from the eyes when one finally loses his sight in old age (verse two)?
If the darkness in verse two is the same as that of Ecc 11:8, to what does it refer?
After reading through verses three through five, find the corresponding word or phrase which best matches the following parts of the body: (1) white hair; (2) the eyes; (3) the molar teeth; (4) the feet and knees; (5) the hands and arms; (6) the voice and ears; (7) the lips. For additional explanation of these analogies, study the COMMENTS on Ecclesiastes 12:3-5.
What is man’s eternal home (verse five)?
When man has gone to his eternal home, who goes about in the streets?
The two figurative descriptions presented in verses two-five and verses six-seven picture what stage or event in life?
It is good for a man when he comes to the end of life if he remembered whom in the days of his youth?
What happens to the physical body at death?
What happens to the spirit of man when the body dies?
PARAPHRASE 12:2-8
The time will come when your sight will be diminished and you will no longer see the light from the sun, moon, or stars. At this time the clouds of sorrow return. When that day comes, the protectors of the house will tremble and the powerful, upright, strong men will be bent low, the grinders will have to stop because they are few, and they will see only darkness who look out through the windows. As the sound of the grinding mill fades away, the doors to the street will be closed. One will be surprised at the sound of a bird as all who sing songs will be hushed. Also, when the hair becomes as the blooms of the almond tree the old will fear high places and dangers along the way. The ability to move about as a grasshopper will fail. The appetite and drives of life will vanish. The reason for this inactivity is that man is nearing his final resting placehis everlasting home. Listen! The mourners go about the streets and into the market places. It is important, therefore, to remember God before the silver cord pulls apart or the golden bowl is broken, before the pitcher is broken at the spring or the water wheel breaks down at the cistern. At that time the body will return to the earth from which it originally came, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. Life is indeed transitory. Like a vapor of vapors, life quickly fades from view. All is futility and unfulfilling.
COMMENT 12:2-8
This section pictures the final evil days which await men. Death terminates the decaying process and the Preacher appropriately turns to the oft-repeated vanity of vanities. Nowhere in the book could the idea of transitoriness be more to the point than in verse eight.
Ecclesiastes 12:2 This verse most logically represents the end of life under the sun. Light is used throughout the Bible for life and joy. In this context it undoubtedly refers to life. Just as man’s life slowly slips toward the grave, so the light diminishes: first the sun and then the lesser light, the moon; finally the faintest light represented by the stars. The diminishing order of light is intentionally arranged to represent life from childhood to the prime of life until the evil days. Each light is finally extinguished and the darkness (death) comes. Clouds are symbolic of trouble and could refer to the judgment. Usually the clouds and rain pass and the sun shines to renew happiness and joy. This time, however, the storm continues with the threatening clouds returning after the rain. Although this interpretation is imaginative and without definite support, it fits the context of the book and the immediate context of this section.
Ecclesiastes 12:3 This highly figurative language (verses three-five) has challenged the imagination and inventiveness of many. There is general unanimity, however, that regardless of the individual meaning given to each symbol, the passage is describing the frailties of old age, and ultimately of death itself.
The house represents the whole person while the watchmen would be the arms or hands. They are the protectors or guards of the house. They were mentioned first because they would be noticed first. They are also afflicted with palsy and thus tremble. Scriptural references of the body likened unto a house are found in 2 Corinthians 5:1-4; 2 Peter 1:13-14.
The mighty men are the legs which now are bent and stooped. Man can no longer walk erectly. Formerly the legs carried the youth pillars of strength, but now they are feeble.
The grinding ones are the teeth. They cease to function and stand idle, because they are few and undoubtedly arranged in such a way that they are inefficient in the chewing process. The millers (grinders) is the feminine form. This is probably because women did the grinding. (Cf. Exodus 11:5; Job 31:10; Isaiah 47:2; Matthew 24:41)
Those who look through windows refer to the eyes. No longer will they see the light under the sun. The sun, moon and stars will only be a memory as they begin to experience total darkness.
Ecclesiastes 12:4 The doors refer to the mouth. Such reference is given in Psalms 141:3: Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. It is possible that since the teeth are nearly gone, the lips now shut more closely. The chewing is then described by a door opening onto a street so the sound inside could not be heard by those on the street.[24] Also, in Hebrew, the form is dual and may refer to the double door (lips). On the streets suggests communication with the world, but now such activity has ceased. In youth the appetite is keen and the mouth is employed in work and pleasure, but now the lips are drawn over the toothless gums and the sound of the grinding mill is low.
[24] E. M. Zerr. op. cit., p. 225.
The sound of the bird has numerous interpretations, but the one that appears most likely suggests that older people arise at the same time as the first sounds of birds in the morning. It does not follow that they are awakened by the chirping sparrow or crowing rooster, but they are anxious to start the day after restless and sometimes painful nights. The hearing is impaired and thus they would not be wakened by the faint chirp of the small bird.
The daughters of song represent the voice and ears of the aged when they no longer can produce melodious songs or discern those sung by others. When David offered to take Barzillai to Jerusalem and care for him in return for favors previously received, Barzillai answered him with the words: How long have I yet to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear any more the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? (2 Samuel 19:34-35). To the elderly, the notes of song run together and the tones are in-distinct. On the basis of this, some interpret the former sound of the bird to be a description of the high, shrill voice of the older person when he arises at the early hour. The fact that the daughters of song will sing softly implies deafness and supports the interpretation that this section refers to the voice and ears.
Ecclesiastes 12:5 Men are afraid of a high place is to be taken literally. The preacher departs from the highly figurative language and states a universal truth in simple language. When one grows old and his speech and hearing are dulled, he often finds difficulty in ascending steps or hills, and is often short of breath. The energy which such activity demands is now missing. The strong muscles are atrophied, and the bones, which carried him securely and confidently in his youth, are bowed and fragile.
Terrors on the road could refer to the obstacles over which they would stumble or wicked individuals against whom they would have little or no defense. The obvious interpretation, however, would be to simple travel on the way. Their bones are brittle, their muscles are weak, and they have difficulty ascending even the slightest incline. Narrow and crowded streets would enhance the difficulty. The almond tree blossoms refers to the white hair which indicates he is come to the final stages of life and is ripening for the tomb. The almond tree first puts forth light, pink blossoms which turn snowy white before falling from the limbs to the ground.
The grasshopper drags himself along is clearly a vivid analogy of the inept physical condition of the dying man. Biblical analogy would point also to the symbol of smallness. (Cf. Numbers 13:33; Isaiah 40:22) In the light of this it would be understood that the message is, that to the elderly, even the most insignificant task becomes a burden. However, the comparison of the condition of the elderly with that of the appearance of the grasshopper best fits the context. Note the following description: The dry, shriveled, old man, his backbone sticking out, his knees projecting forwards, his arms backwards, his head down, and the apophyses enlarged, is like that insect.[25]
[25] Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown. A Commentary: Critical Experimental, and Practical on the Old and New Testaments, II (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1973), p. 542.
The caperberry is also translated desire and appetite. The difficulty in translation stems from the fact that the word appears only here in the entire Old Testament. Caperberry would necessitate a figurative meaning while desire or appetite would be literal. This does not aid the translation, however, as both figurative and literal terms are used in the Preacher’s picture of old age and death. The caperberry is considered a stimulant and the obvious meaning is that neither the appetite or sexual desire can be aroused. Since the caper-berry was not believed to be an aphrodisiac until the Middle Ages, the safe explanation, would be that the stimulant is to preserve life (through eating, which desire is often lost in old age) not propagate it. However, as Luther says, all desire fails, and again, an old man has pleasure in nothing. The eternal home or house of eternity speaks more to duration than it does to the place. It is a future state of being as compared with the existence under the sun. Life here is transitory compared with eternal life there. The term eternal home is found only in Ecclesiastes. Characteristic of inspired literature, the meaning of certain terms often penetrate beyond the limits of man’s present knowledge. Future revelation, on the same subject, often amplifies the meaning, and it becomes clear that God intended for the reader to look back and see that the term held the full-grown truth in seed form. The terms used by Solomon, who claims inspiration for his writing (Ecclesiastes 12:11) are exact. However, the understanding of the terms, even by the author, is often very limited. Solomon says nothing to negate the richness of the full orb of the doctrine of eternal life taught by Jesus and the Apostles.
On the subject of the eternal home, read and study Job 10:21; Job 30:23; Psalms 49:11 and John 14:1-6.
The mourners are, as tradition teaches*,* the paid wailers who prepare even before the death event to make loud lamentation in the streets and places of commerce. (Cf. 2 Samuel 3:31; Jeremiah 9:17; Jeremiah 34:5; Amos 5:16-17; Matthew 9:23; Matthew 11:17) The implication of such terms as silver and gold in the following verse would suggest affluency on the part of the one about to be mourned.
Ecclesiastes 12:6 The translators add remember because the before of this verse refers one to Ecclesiastes 12:1 where the Preacher is admonishing young men to live their lives in harmony with the designs of their Creator.
Two distinct figures are mentioned in this verse which speak to the final termination of life under the sun. The preceding detailed insights to the frailties of old age were intended to motivate young men to live their lives to the fullest joys (Cf. Ecclesiastes 11:9-10) before the body breaks and the soul slips away.
The silver cord and golden bowl are to be considered together. They represent the lamp which hangs from the ceilings of oriental or near-eastern homes. The cord is interspersed with silver and the lamp itself is made of gold. Nothing is intended beyond the fact that life, like silver and gold, is valuable and much to be desired. The intention is to show that light, which is here symbolic of one’s life, is going to be extinguished regardless of how fine it is. Death does not come because one terminates his own life, but the cord breaks allowing the bowl to fall to the floor and break and the oil to be released upon the floor. The separation of the oil from the container negates the utilitarian purpose of the lamp. The original design of the lamp has been thwarted; the value of the practical aspect of the lamp is now nullified. So when death comes, the body returns to its source and the spirit slips away.
The pitcher and the wheel illustrate the same truth as the cord and lamp. The symbol is different, however, as the lamp represents life as light and the pitcher represents life as water. Jesus took advantage of both physical symbols to demonstrate spiritual truths. (Cf. John 8:12; John 9:5 and John 4:10-11; John 7:38) The NASB mentions both well and cistern. The broken pitcher would render the well useless, while the wheel which falls into the cistern when it breaks, prevents the water from being drawn. The intent of both pictures painted by Solomon in this verse is intentionally clear in the following observation.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Throughout the book the Preacher’s emphasis has been on the transitory nature of man, and the fact that he, together with the world in which he lives, has been marked by vanity. (Cf. COMMENT Ecclesiastes 6:10) The body of man returns to its primary sourcethe dust of the earth. The admonition to the young man to enjoy life in his youth is based on the fact that man will soon begin to die and move slowly toward the dust.
The dust will return to the earth as it was. This doctrine complements similar passages on the same subject. The Preacher has previously stated that all (men and beasts) came from the dust and all return to the dust (Ecclesiastes 3:20). (Cf. Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:19; Job 34:14-15; Psalms 104:29) In this section (verses two-six) there has been strong emphasis upon the dust nature of men. When the spirit is released from the body through the death event, it does not join the process of decay and regression, but it returns to God.
The spirit will return to God who gave it. Solomon’s reference to God as Creator has established a principle of ownership. He now argues for right behavior on the basis of the certainty of final retribution. The judgment is a doctrine which has already been introduced but now takes on major intensity as the Preacher moves through the final stages of his arguments. There is no full doctrine of immortality taught here, but the fact of eternal life is not denied and the spirit is distinguished from the body with the emphasis upon the fact that it is the spirit that God receives. For the sinner, the ungodly person who has been described so often throughout the book, there is nothing for him to anticipate but the depressing picture of death and then the sudden and sure appearing before God’s judgment. Leupold wisely states that Solomon is teaching such a judgment as a motivating factor to lead all men to live righteously. He adds, You personally will at your death appear before the judgment seat of God, therefore get ready.[26]
[26] Leupold. op. cit., p. 287.
Ecclesiastes 12:8 There is nothing new in this verse that has not already been thoroughly discussed, but the insertion of the subtheme of the book (Cf. Ecclesiastes 1:2) at this particular place serves to prove that the Preacher believes that such vanity has been sufficiently demonstrated. It serves to terminate his discussion in the first part of this chapter, and also introduces the final section of the book. Hengstenberg offers a word of warning when he writes, The knowledge of the vanity of earthly things conducts to the fear of God afterwards recommended. Since all things are vain, man, who is subject to vanity, should do all in his power to enter into a living relation to Him who is the true absolute being, and through fellowship with him to participate, himself, in a true eternal being.[27]
[27] Hengstenberg. op. cit., p. 257.
The fact that Solomon once again refers to himself as the Preacher reflects upon the hortatory nature of the closing two Chapter s of the book. Especially is he eloquent in this final section. In the epilogue (verse nine through fourteen) he speaks of himself as the Preacher two more times. Never can a preacher reach a higher pinnacle of confidence than when he claims divine authority for his message. The following conclusion of the whole matter is driven to the heart with strong conviction.
FACT QUESTIONS 12:2-8
Why is it appropriate that the oft-occurring vanity of vanities immediately follows this section?
What is the significance of the light order of first the sun, then the moon and finally the stars?
What is significant about the fact that the clouds return again after the rain? Explain.
Although the language beginning in verse three is highly figurative, it is generally accepted that it has what meaning?
Identify the house.
What is the significance of the watchmen trembling?
Why are the grinding ones in the feminine form in the original language?
The doors refer to what part of the body? The Hebrew form is dual and implies what?
If the elderly are not awakened by the sound of birds, what is the significance of mentioning the birds?
Is verse five to be taken figuratively or literally? Explain.
Why are elderly people afraid to travel on the road?
Explain why the grasshopper is an appropriate symbol of the elderly.
How does Luther translate the idea that the caperberry is ineffective?
The eternal home suggests what primary lesson?
Why are the mourners going about the streets prior to the death of the elderly person?
The two figures in verse six suggest what event?
Explain the lesson of the bowl.
How does verse seven relate to the two symbols of verse six?
Why say the body will return to dust?
To what extent does Solomon explain the doctrine of immortality in verse seven? Discuss.
Identify the sub-theme of the book.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-12
CONCLUSION Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
A. MAN IS ADMONISHED TO WORK IN HARMONY WITH GOD THROUGH THE WORDS OF ONE SHEPHERD. Ecclesiastes 12:9-12
TEXT 12:9-12
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In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs.
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The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
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The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.
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But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 12:9-12
What reason is given why the Preacher taught the people?
How many proverbs did Solomon seek out? (Cf. 1 Kings 4:32)
Give evidence that Solomon was concerned about writing a truthful account.
Explain why words from wise teachers would be like goads and well-driven nails.
What evidence in verse eleven speaks to Divine inspiration of Ecclesiastes?
When does devotion to books become wearying to the body?
PARAPHRASE 12:9-12
In addition, because the Preacher was wise, he desired that others become wise also. Therefore he instructed them in the knowledge which he had learned. He was careful to examine, ponder and sort out many wise proverbial sayings. He not only desired to impart instruction to others, he wanted to say it in a way which would be a delightful experience for those who heard. Above all, he wanted to write down correctly the words of truthto be certain that that which he taught was exactly right. The words which he spoke served as goads to prod his readers onward. His words also served as nails to securely fix his truth in their minds. This collection of sayings actually proceeds from one Shepherd. My son, be warned about going beyond those words which do not proceed from one Shepherd. You should realize that the writing of this kind of information is endless, and studying such books exhausts the body and the mind.
COMMENT 12:9-12
Solomon has sufficiently defended and supported the thesis that all is vanity. Now he turns to a clear summation of his methodology and a statement of his objective in composing the book. He classifies himself among the wise, and offers, as it were, his credentials in the form of a claim to inspiration. In addition to being wise, he professes to be a disseminator of knowledge, an imaginative arranger of proverbs, a speaker of truth, and most importantly divinely inspired. He drives home (nails well-fastened) important lessons which come to him from God. (Cf. Ecclesiastes 12:11; 1 Kings 3:12) He warns against one searching for truth in books which are not inspired, and that devotion to such an endless number of books is wearying to the body.
Ecclesiastes 12:9 As a wise man, whose authority was respected and accepted, Solomon arranged many proverbs through which he taught the people. Some believe the reference is to the book of Proverbs which many attribute to Solomon. The word translated proverbs can mean maxims, parables, or allegories. (Cf. 1 Kings 4:32)
Ecclesiastes 12:10 Solomon’s words are delightful words in that he never turned to obscene language, but spoke discretely and guardedly. He had written: Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances (Proverbs 25:11). Also, Listen, for I shall speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will produce right things. For my mouth will utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing crooked or perverted in them. They are all straight-forward to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge (Proverbs 8:6-9). The Preacher’s words are framed for the spiritual minded and in them they will find their delight.
In addition to skilfully arranging his words, he gave diligence to write words of truth correctly. Most commentators see in this verse a twofold intention: (1) he wants to write sincerelythat is he spoke from the heart as honestly as he could; (2) he also spoke objectivelythat is he presented factual knowledge apart from a bias. He intended for his words to be well received, but he was not willing to sacrifice truth in order to retain his readers.
Ecclesiastes 12:11 Wisdom is directive. The words of wise men are designed to guide both the teacher and his audience on the road of right behavior. (Cf. Matthew 7:24) These words of truth are like goads. A goad is a stick or pole with a sharp point which is used to prod oxen or sheep in the direction one wishes them to move. (Cf. Judges 3:3; I Samuel 13:31; Acts 9:5) The collections could refer to the material found in Ecclesiastes. It would mean that he has arranged his material in such a way that one is drawn to a path of proper conduct because he is motivated by the thought and content of the ordered material. On the other hand, it could refer to the joint-authors of the collected canonical Scriptures. (Cf. 2 Peter 1:21) The truth taught by inspired teachers is now likened unto well-driven nails. The figure of the nails is used because it is the nature of the nail to penetrate easily. It could mean to plant or drive in, to fasten and secure. So the words of the wise nail down the truths which change men’s lives and their eternal destinies.
Solomon’s reference here to the fact that such truths have their origin with the one Shepherd is a clear claim to inspiration. The collected sayings have but one source and thus one authority. The one Shepherd is God who is elsewhere called the Shepherd of Israel. (Cf. Genesis 48:15; Genesis 49:24; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:11-12; John 10:14-16; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4) On the subject of inspiration as claimed by Solomon, Leupold states: Observe what a correct and clear conception of the inspiration of the sacred writings prevailed in Israel at this time, especially of the fact that it was a unified work done by the Lord for the good of His people. Observe also that the Preacher is aware of the fact that God was pleased to use him to share in this work.[28]
[28] Leupold. op. cit., p. 296.
Ecclesiastes 12:12 There is more in this verse than the simple jest over the prolific number of volumes written on the subject of the meaning of life, and the subsequent weariness that comes to one who attempts to read all of what has been written. Solomon’s tender address of my son suggests the teacher-student relationship and not the physical father-son relationship. It implies that all may come and hear these wise words which have been given through the Preacher, but which come from God. The writing of many books is in contrast to the Sacred Scriptures. They represent the thinking of men outside the circle of divine inspiration. The charge is not against studying as such, as it is wise to study human nature, and it is especially wise to study the inspired books. The warning is against those books or writings which contradict the truth and which lead one away from the path of righteousness. It is the nature of the wisdom of this world to never give a final answer to the most basic and penetrating questions of life. Paul spoke of this matter to Timothy when he said that men were always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). Although Ecclesiastes does not delineate the specifics of correct behavior, it does press hard toward the correct road: the fear of God. It motivates toward this conclusion by demonstrating the foolishness of searching in areas where God has not hidden the answers. It has been said that Ecclesiastes raises the question that the rest of the Bible answers. While this is partly true, it is not the complete picture. Ecclesiastes proves the emptiness of life apart from God, but it also demands that one fill the void of his life with the activity of doing the will of God.
FACT QUESTIONS 12:9-12
Explain the methodology used by Solomon.
Give proof that Solomon arranged many proverbs.
Delightful words are prepared for what group of people?
What does it mean to write objectively? (Cf. verse ten)
What is the purpose of a goad? What is the relation of goad to the fact that Solomon was wise?
To what could the collection of verse eleven refer?
Identify and explain the claim Solomon makes for inspiration.
My son implies what relationship? (Cf. Ecclesiastes 12:12)
The writing of many books is in contrast to what?
Ecclesiastes 12:13
B. MAN IS ADMONISHED TO FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. Ecclesiastes 12:13
TEXT 12:13
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The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 12:13
Explain what has been heard. (Cf. Ecclesiastes 12:9-12)
Is Solomon’s conclusion in harmony with the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles? Give evidence.
Identify what it is that applies to every man.
PARAPHRASE 12:13
All that I proposed to say, I have said. The conclusion then from what I have said is this: Revere and worship God; keep His commandments. This is the complete, fulfilling work of man, and no man shall escape its implications.
COMMENT 12:13
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Whatever difficulty one may encounter in the explanation of certain sections of Ecclesiastes, there can be little doubt about the intention of Solomon as he moves to his conclusion. His final observations are stated with great clarity. The conclusion is literally the sum of all. It should be noted that his personal claim to inspiration is made prior to his final warning which he says applies to all men.
The fear of God is now underscored as the major theme of the book. Vanity and the testimony values of this world are contrasted with true wisdom. This true wisdom leads one to shun evil and do good (Psalms 34:11-12) and is thus defined as the fear of the Lord. The fear of God and keeping His commands are inseparable. To obey God, in this context, is not an indication that one fears Him it is the fear of God. It is worthy of note that Solomon now applies his message to every man. Verse fourteen confirms the universality of the message. The Septuagint captures the meaning better than does the Authorized Version when it renders the statement as For this is the whole duty of man. Similar translations read, This is the duty of all men, This concerns all mankind, The whole of mankind, For this, all men, and The whole duty for every man. Paul draws this same conclusion as he said, Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also (Romans 3:29).
The Vanities of Ecclesiastes Contrasted With the Fear of the Lord which follows this immediate section, illustrates the negative pursuits of men which the Preacher declares to be but transitory and unfulfilling. The positive practice of the fear of the Lord fills the emptiness in man’s life and directs him to satisfaction and joy.
FACT QUESTIONS 12:13
The conclusion literally means what?
Identify the major theme of the book.
Which is the better translation: For this is the whole duty of man, or This is the duty of all men? Explain.
THE VANITIES OF ECCLESIASTES CONTRASTED WITH THE FEAR OF THE LORD
(1) Man’s advantages
Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 3:9; Ecclesiastes 5:16
(2) The desire to learn all things
Ecclesiastes 1:13; Ecclesiastes 2:23-26; Ecclesiastes 3:10
(3) Excessive wisdom
Ecclesiastes 1:18; Ecclesiastes 2:15; Ecclesiastes 7:16
(4) Pursuit of pleasure
Ecclesiastes 2:1; Ecclesiastes 7:4; Ecclesiastes 8:15; Ecclesiastes 10:16
(5) Mad mirth
Ecclesiastes 2:2; Ecclesiastes 7:2-5
(6) Increase of earthly possessions
Ecclesiastes 2:4-9; Ecclesiastes 6:2; Ecclesiastes 5:11
(7) Personal accomplishments
Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 2:17-18; Ecclesiastes 2:20
(8) Living only for tomorrow
Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 2:18; Ecclesiastes 6:12; Ecclesiastes 8:7; Ecclesiastes 10:14
(9) Envy, rivalry
(10) Laziness
Ecclesiastes 4:5-6; Ecclesiastes 10:18
(11) Greed
Ecclesiastes 4:8; Ecclesiastes 1:8; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Ecclesiastes 5:13; Ecclesiastes 8:13; Ecclesiastes 8:17
(12) Hypocritical worship
(13) Discontentment
Ecclesiastes 6:2-3; Ecclesiastes 7:10, Ecclesiastes 11:9
(14) Self righteousness
(15) Sexual immorality
Ecclesiastes 7:26; Ecclesiastes 7:29
(16) Lawlessness
(17) Self-deceit
Ecclesiastes 8:11; Ecclesiastes 9:3
(18) Wicked oppression
(19) Identity with evil
Ecclesiastes 9:18; Ecclesiastes 10:1
(20) Intellectual pride
Ecclesiastes 10:10; Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
(21) Self-reliance
(22) Youth spent without God
Ecclesiastes 12:14
C. MAN IS ADMONISHED TO WORK IN HARMONYWITH GOD BECAUSE GOD WILL BRING EVERY WORK INTO JUDGMENT. Ecclesiastes 12:14
TEXT 12:14
14
Because God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 12:14
Is the judgment eternal judgment or judgment which takes place in this world? Explain and discuss.
What truth taught by Jesus in Matthew 10:26 is taught in this final verse?
Who will judge the secrets of the heart? (Cf. Romans 2:16)
How thorough will be the final judgment? (Cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5)
PARAPHRASE 12:14
I say that no man shall escape because God shall bring every deed into judgment whether the motive is good or evil.
COMMENT 12:14
Ecclesiastes 12:14 Appropriately the reader is drawn to God in this final sentence of the book. God is the Creator (Cf. Ecclesiastes 12:1; Ecclesiastes 7:13-14; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ecclesiastes 8:15; Ecclesiastes 11:5; Ecclesiastes 12:7), the One worshipped (Cf. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2; Ecclesiastes 5:4; Ecclesiastes 5:6-7; Ecclesiastes 8:2), the One who permits man’s enjoyment, (Cf. Ecclesiastes 9:7) the One who knows the end from the beginning (Cf. Ecclesiastes 3:11; Ecclesiastes 3:15), the One who has placed the desire to know in the heart of man (Cf. Ecclesiastes 3:10), the One who supplies food, and water, and gives His approval of labors (Cf. Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 5:18-20), the One who works that men will fear Him (Cf. Ecclesiastes 3:14), the One who is the final judge of all men (Cf. Ecclesiastes 3:17; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Ecclesiastes 12:14), the One who proves that man is different from beasts (Cf. Ecclesiastes 3:18), the One who blesses the godly (Cf. Ecclesiastes 7:18), the One who delivers the godly from sin (Cf. Ecclesiastes 7:26), the One who is the author of the words of life (Cf. Ecclesiastes 12:11).
The fact that God will bring every act into judgment has been established. He had previously stated: I said to myself, -God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man, for a time for every matter and for every deed is there-’ (Ecclesiastes 3:17). In Ecclesiastes 11:9 the emphasis of the judgment is on all these things. Nothing escapes the knowledge of God. The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth (2 Chronicles 16:9). (Cf. Zechariah 4:10; Matthew 12:36; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10) This final judgment will test the works of men to determine what is vanity and what endures (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).
There is a sense in which present judgment takes place under the sun. (Cf. John 3:18-20; Galatians 6:7-8; Ephesians 5:13) However, the judgment Solomon refers to must be the eternal judgment as no earthly judgment could include every man and every act.
FACT QUESTIONS 12:14
Would a partial judgment of sins on this earth satisfy the demands of this verse? Explain.
EPILOGUE
This final word. Much closer to our generation than Solomon, there stands a man who represents the same world. He caused laughter to flash across the faces of literally thousands. Yet, in a more serious moment he contemplated life apart from the fear of the Lord and his words are strikingly similar to those of the Preacher. On that occasion Mark Twain wrote:
A myriad of men are born; they labor and sweat and struggle for bread; they squabble and scold and fight; they scramble for little mean advantages over each other. Age creeps upon them; infirmities follow; those they love are taken from them. At length ambition is dead; pride is dead; longing for release is in their place. It comes at lastthe only unpoisoned gift earth ever had for themand they vanish from a world where they were of no consequence. Then another myriad takes their place, and copies all they did, and goes along the same profitless road, and vanishes as they vanishedto make room for another and another and a million more myriads to follow the same arid path through the same desert and accomplish what the first myriad and all the myriads that came after it accomplishednothing,
One bows in deep gratitude before the throne of Grace. Indeed the vacuum within man is Christ-shaped. When through faith and submission to His Lordship He floods into our lives, there is fulfillment and purpose. The Sun of Righteousness has risen with healing in His wings. Let Jesus have the final word:
I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I CAME THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:7-11).