November 28, 2020

The title of the book in the Old Testament we refer to as Ecclesiastes comes from the Septuagint (LXX) which uses the Greek word ekklesiastes. The word means “preacher” and refers to the one who gathers an assembly of people and speaks to them. Solomon is accepted as the author of Ecclesiastes by most scholars. In the first verse he refers to himself as “the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Additionally, he says he is, “king over Israel in Jerusalem” (1:12), and “besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge.” (12:9).  Solomon was known as the son of King David (1 Kings 3), the third king over the united kingdom of Israel, and for unmatched wisdom in the land (1:16). The book can be dated around 930 B.C. because it was most likely composed in Solomon’s latter years.

Even though Solomon did not initially ask for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies, but for wisdom to govern the people of Israel, God granted both.  However, even though he knew better, he acted foolishly by taking many wives and worshipping other gods. He became selfish and apathetic towards God. Ecclesiastes is autobiographical as the old king reflects on his many foolish decisions and empty pursuits. He concludes that life without God and the pursuit of pleasure is all “vanity.” He warns subsequent generations to avoid the same mistakes he made and that a life lived without God is futile and meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 4

Evil Under the Sun

1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.

4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.

6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.

7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Reflection:

  • Without a mind for God, all of the pain and suffering one sees in this world makes no sense.
  • Sometimes life can be so hard that one might wish they had never been born (v. 3).
  • Without gratitude and a mind for God, the heart can become envious thinking everyone has it better than they do (v. 4).  Do you ever struggle with being envious of others?
  • If one feels alone and unappreciated, what is the use of hard work or being ethical (v. 8)?  Consider God’s word in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
  • Solomon says that it is a blessing in life to not be alone and to have someone who encourages you and lifts you up when you are down, and you can do the same. Who is that special person in your life that encourages you? Thank God for that person.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me purpose and hope in this life. There is so much pain and suffering, and life is so hard at times. But I thank you for being ever present and bringing peace to my troubled heart. I thank you that I am never alone, and that you never turn aside from me. I bless your Holy Name! In Jesus’ name, amen.

7 thoughts on “Daily Devotional-November 28th”

  1. Dear Heavenly Father,
    If I didnt have You, I would feel all alone. Thank You for loving me and giving me a chance for eternal life. It is so easy to fall victim of envy thinking everyone else has it better than you. But I am seeking to keep my mind on You knowing all else is vanity. A life without You is meaningless. Please help me stay on course in the days and years I have ahead. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

  2. Oh, the poverty in being wealthy, alone, healthy and without God. What can be more miserable on earth? Oh, the richness of His abiding presence.

  4. Heavenly Father,

    I lift up my family and friends to your throne room. Many have illnesses, worries, frets. Life is getting them down. As I lift each up to you, please, Father, send your Holy Spirit to comfort, to heal, to guide, to provide.

    May each pause and acknowledge you as the King of Kings and the LORD of Lords. May each know you knit them in their mother’s womb.

    Father, you have recorded my words, my actions, my thoughts beforehand. May all be pleasing in your eyes; may I not cause you pain.

    Throughout this day, may I praise your Holy Name. And the name of your son, Jesus Christ, for it is in his name I pray,

    Amen

  6. Thank you God for reminding me that it is you, who I ultimately serve. Although others may be blessed by what I do, help me keep my eyes on you ask my Lord.

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