Divide your portion among seven, or even eight
This phrase suggests the principle of diversification, which is a timeless piece of wisdom. In the context of ancient Israel, this could refer to the practice of spreading out one's resources or investments to mitigate risk. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, as seen in the creation week (Genesis 1-2). The addition of "or even eight" implies going beyond what is considered complete, suggesting an extra measure of caution or generosity. This principle can be connected to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, where the servants are entrusted with different amounts and are expected to manage them wisely. The idea of sharing or distributing resources can also be seen in the early church's practice of communal living and sharing in Acts 2:44-45.

for you do not know what disaster may befall the land
This part of the verse acknowledges the uncertainty of life and the unpredictability of future events. In the historical context of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon or a later wisdom teacher, the land of Israel was subject to various threats such as famine, war, and natural disasters. This uncertainty is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing human limitations and the need for reliance on God's wisdom. The unpredictability of life is echoed in James 4:13-15, where believers are reminded of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seeking God's will. The phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, as seen in Jesus' teaching about not worrying in Matthew 6:25-34.

1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.

2. Israel
- The nation where Solomon reigned, often facing various challenges and uncertainties, which are reflected in the wisdom literature.

3. Disaster
- Refers to unforeseen events or calamities that can impact one's life, emphasizing the need for preparedness and wisdom.Wisdom in Diversification
The verse encourages spreading resources across multiple areas to mitigate risk. This principle can be applied to financial investments, time management, and talents.

Preparedness for Uncertainty
Life is unpredictable, and being prepared for unforeseen events is a biblical principle. This includes spiritual, financial, and emotional readiness.

Generosity and Stewardship
Sharing resources with others is a form of stewardship. By giving to others, we not only help them but also create a network of support for ourselves.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
While we plan and prepare, we must ultimately trust in God's control over the future. Our efforts should be coupled with faith in His provision.(2) To seven, and also to eight.--Quite similar forms of expression occur in Job 5:19; Proverbs 30:21; Amos 1:3; Micah 5:4. The numbers seven and eight are used indefinitely in the advice to multiply our modes of exertion, ignorant as we are which may miscarry.

Verse 2. - Give a portion to seven, and also to eight. This further explains, without any metaphor, the injunction of beneficence in ver. 1. Give portions of thy "bread" to any number of those who need. Delitzsch and others who interpret the passage of maritime enterprise would see in it a recommendation (like the proceeding of Jacob, Genesis 32:16, etc.) not to risk all at once, to divide one's ventures into various ships. But the expression in the text is merely a mode of enjoining unlimited benevolence. The numbers are purposely indefinite. Instances of this form of speech are common enough (see Proverbs 6:16; Proverbs 30:7-9, etc.; Amos 1:3. etc.; Micah 5:5; Ecclus. 23:16 Ecclus. 26:5, 28). Wordsworth notes that the word for "portion" (chelek) is that used specially for the portion of the Levites (Numbers 18:20); and in accordance with his view of the date of the book, finds here an injunction not to confine one's offerings to the Levites of Judah, but to extend them to the refugees who come from Israel. For thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. A time may come when you yourself may need help; the power of giving may no longer be yours; therefore make friends now who may be your comfort in distress. So the Lord urges, "Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness" (Luke 16:9). It seems a low motive on which to base charitable actions; but men act on such secondary motives every day, and the moralist cannot ignore them. In the Book of Proverbs secondary and worldly motives are largely urged as useful in the conduct of life (see the Introduction to Proverbs, pp. 8, 9.). St. Paul reminds us that we some day may need a brother's help (Galatians 6:1). The Fathers have spiritualized the passage, so as to make it of Christian application, far away indeed from Koheleth's thought. Thus St. Gregory: "By the number seven is understood the whole of this temporal condition... this is shown more plainly when the number eight is mentioned after it. For when another number besides follows after seven, it is set forth by this very addition, that this temporal state is brought to an end and closed by eternity. For by the number seven Solomon expressed the present time, which is passed by periods of seven days. But by the number eight he designated eternal life, which the Lord made known to us by his resurrection. For he rose in truth on the Lord's day, which, as following the seventh day, i.e. the sabbath, is found to be the eighth from the creation. But it is well said, 'Give portions,' etc. As if it were plainly said, 'So dispense temporal goods, as not to forget to desire those that are eternal. For thou oughtest to provide for the future by well-doing, who knowest not what tribulation succeeds from the future judgment'" ('Moral,' 35:17, Oxford transl.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Divide
תֶּן־ (ten-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

your portion
חֵ֥לֶק (ḥê·leq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory

among seven,
לְשִׁבְעָ֖ה (lə·šiḇ·‘āh)
Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

or even
וְגַ֣ם (wə·ḡam)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

eight,
לִשְׁמוֹנָ֑ה (liš·mō·w·nāh)
Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 8083: A cardinal number, eight, eighth

for
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you do not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

know
תֵדַ֔ע (ṯê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

what
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

disaster
רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

may befall
יִּהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the land.
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 11:2 Give a portion to seven yes even (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)