So if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is futile. So if a man lives many yearsThis phrase begins with a conditional statement, suggesting the possibility of longevity. The Hebrew root for "man" here is "אָדָם" (adam), which can refer to mankind in general, emphasizing the universality of the message. The phrase acknowledges the blessing of a long life, which in biblical times was often seen as a sign of God's favor. Historically, longevity was associated with wisdom and experience, and the Bible frequently portrays it as a gift to be cherished. let him rejoice in them all
The call to "rejoice" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, urging individuals to find joy in the life God has given them. The Hebrew word for "rejoice" is "שָׂמַח" (samach), which conveys a deep, heartfelt joy. This joy is not superficial but rooted in gratitude and contentment. The phrase suggests that each year of life, regardless of circumstances, holds potential for joy and should be embraced fully. but let him remember the days of darkness
Here, the text introduces a contrast with the previous call to rejoice. The "days of darkness" symbolize times of trouble, suffering, or death. The Hebrew word for "darkness" is "חֹשֶׁךְ" (choshech), often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent adversity or ignorance. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder that life is not without its challenges, and wisdom involves acknowledging and preparing for these inevitable periods. for they will be many
This part of the verse emphasizes the certainty and frequency of difficult times. The acknowledgment that "they will be many" reflects a realistic view of life, consistent with the broader themes of Ecclesiastes, which often grapple with the complexities and unpredictability of human existence. It encourages a balanced perspective, recognizing both the joys and sorrows of life. Everything to come is futility
The term "futility" is translated from the Hebrew word "הֶבֶל" (hebel), which appears frequently in Ecclesiastes. It conveys the idea of vapor or breath, symbolizing transience and the elusive nature of worldly pursuits. This phrase encapsulates the book's central theme: the fleeting nature of life and the ultimate vanity of earthly endeavors without a focus on God. It challenges readers to seek meaning beyond the temporal, directing their hearts toward eternal truths. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature attributed to him. 2. Israel- The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. Days of Darkness- A metaphorical reference to times of trouble, suffering, or death. It serves as a reminder of life's transient nature. Teaching Points Rejoice in Every SeasonLife is a gift from God, and each year is an opportunity to experience His blessings. Embrace joy in every season, recognizing that each moment is precious. Remember Life's TransienceThe "days of darkness" remind us of life's brevity. This awareness should lead us to live purposefully and with an eternal perspective. Embrace the Futility with FaithAcknowledge that earthly pursuits can be futile without God. Let this drive you to seek fulfillment in Him rather than in temporary things. Balance Joy and SobrietyWhile rejoicing in life, maintain a sober understanding of its challenges. This balance helps cultivate resilience and hope in Christ. Live with Eternity in MindThe inevitability of "days of darkness" should encourage us to invest in eternal treasures and live in a way that honors God. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we practically rejoice in every year of our lives, even amidst challenges? 2. What are some "days of darkness" you have experienced, and how did they shape your understanding of life's transience? 3. How does the concept of futility in Ecclesiastes 11:8 influence your priorities and pursuits? 4. In what ways can remembering the brevity of life motivate us to live with an eternal perspective? 5. How do other scriptures, like James 4:14 and Psalm 90:12, reinforce the teachings of Ecclesiastes 11:8? How can these connections deepen our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures James 4:14- This verse speaks to the brevity and uncertainty of life, echoing the theme of life's fleeting nature found in Ecclesiastes. Psalm 90:12- This verse encourages believers to number their days, similar to the call in Ecclesiastes to remember the days of darkness and live wisely. Philippians 4:4- Paul’s exhortation to rejoice always connects with the call in Ecclesiastes to rejoice in all the years of life. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Dark, Darkness, Enjoy, Futility, Indeed, Joy, Man's, Meaningless, Mind, Purpose, Rejoice, Remember, Vanity, Whatever, Yea, Yes, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 11:8 4811 darkness, symbol of sin
5846 enjoyment Ecclesiastes 11:8-12:8 4016 life, human Library A New Years Sermon to the Young
'Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.... Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.'--ECCLES. xi. 9; xii. 1. This strange, and in some places perplexing Book of Ecclesiastes, is intended to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureSowing in the Wind, Reaping under Clouds
"He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap."--Ecclesiastes 11:4. SOW when the time comes, whatever wind blows. Reap when the times comes, whatever clouds are in the sky. There are, however, qualifying proverbs, which must influence our actions. We are not to discard prudence in the choice of the time for our work. "To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." It is well to sow when the weather is propitious. It is wise …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 Of Confession and Self-Examination
Of Confession and Self-examination Self-examination should always precede Confession, and in the nature and manner of it should be conformable to the state of the soul: the business of those that are advanced to the degree of which we now treat, is to lay their whole souls open before God, who will not fail to enlighten them, and enable them to see the peculiar nature of their faults. This examination, however, should be peaceful and tranquil, and we should depend on God for the discovery and knowledge …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer Curiosity a Temptation to Sin.
"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."--Proverbs iv. 14, 15. The chief cause of the wickedness which is every where seen in the world, and in which, alas! each of us has more or less his share, is our curiosity to have some fellowship with darkness, some experience of sin, to know what the pleasures of sin are like. I believe it is even thought unmanly by many persons (though they may not like to say …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII 1872-1874. Letter from Rev. A. M. W. Christopher --Letter from Gulf of St. Lawrence-Mrs. Birt's Sheltering Home, Liverpool --Letter to Mrs. Merry --Letter from Canada --Miss
Letter from Rev. A. M. W. Christopher--Letter from Gulf of St. Lawrence-Mrs. Birt's Sheltering Home, Liverpool--Letter to Mrs. Merry--Letter from Canada--Miss Macpherson's return to England-- Letter of cheer for Dr. Barnardo--Removal to Hackney Home. Though human praise is not sought, we cannot but feel peculiar pleasure in giving the following testimony from a servant of the Lord so much revered as the Rev, A. M. W. Christopher of Oxford:-- "Of all the works of Christian benevolence which the great …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision A. Jesus Cleanses the Temple. ^D John II. 13-25. ^d 13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand [We get our information as to the length of our Lord's ministry from John's Gospel. He groups his narrative around six Jewish festivals: 1, He here mentions the first passover; 2, another feast, which we take to have been also a passover (v. 1); 3, another passover (vi. 4); 4, the feast of tabernacles (vii. 2); 5, dedication (x. 22); 6, passover (xi. 55). This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel How those are to be Admonished who Decline the Office of Preaching Out of Too Great Humility, and those who Seize on it with Precipitate Haste.
(Admonition 26.) Differently to be admonished are those who, though able to preach worthily, are afraid by reason of excessive humility, and those whom imperfection or age forbids to preach, and yet precipitancy impells. For those who, though able to preach with profit, still shrink back through excessive humility are to be admonished to gather from consideration of a lesser matter how faulty they are in a greater one. For, if they were to hide from their indigent neighbours money which they possessed …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 11:8 NIVEcclesiastes 11:8 NLTEcclesiastes 11:8 ESVEcclesiastes 11:8 NASBEcclesiastes 11:8 KJV
Ecclesiastes 11:8 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
