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TH1136: On-Line
Teaching Notes
Please open your Bibles to Ecclesiastes chapter 9, as we continue our study through the Word of God. Now as we begin, keep in mind that Solomon is trying to find out the meaning of life apart from God. And in his pursuit, he tries all that life has to offer and keeps coming to the conclusion that life is empty, it is meaningless.
ECCLESIASTES 9
VERSE 1
1. As Solomon looks at life he sees that nobody knows what will happen, nobody knows the hand they are going to be dealt. There could be love or hate or anything in between, it is all in the hand of the God, you might say, and He will be the one who deals our life's circumstances.
VERSE 2
1. There does not seem to be a pattern that life follows. Good and bad happen to both the righteous and the wicked. We must understand that we don't live in a perfect world today, but one day righteousness will fill this land as Jesus rules and reigns, and wickedness will be punished.
VERSE 3
1. Death is not a respecter of people - it will affect all. And it is interesting to note that Solomon says we are evil, we are sinners. There are many today that say evil is just a product of our environment we are brought up in. That if you grow up in an area that is very evil, you will follow that pattern and become a product of the society you were brought up in. And to some extent that is true. The point they miss is we are born sinners and that is not a product of our environment, but our nature. David said in Psalm 51:5 "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me." And understand this, Adam and Eve were brought up in the perfect environment, it was very good, and yet they still sinned!
VERSE 4
1. A dog that is living is better than a dead lion, for there is still hope that tomorrow may be better. If your dead, there is no hope, life is over, in Solomon's mind.
VERSES 5-6
1. Now many will take this and what Job said and make a doctrine for soul sleep. First of all Solomon is coming up with answers to life that are found "under the sun" or apart from God. Secondly, God rebuked Job for coming to the wrong conclusions about death. God said to Job, "Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge?..Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this." Job 38:2, 17-18. If you want to go to an authority on death, go to Jesus. In Luke chapter 16 we read that death apart from God has pain, thirst, torment, and of course, consciousness. In Christ there is peace, comfort, joy and-so-on. Now it is up to you. Do you want to believe the words of man, or of God?
VERSES 7-8
1. Because life is so short, enjoy it. Be content with what God has given you. Money can't buy you contentment, that comes from the Lord.
VERSES 9-10
1. Again, this is purely an earthly perspective. Solomon is telling us that all we can hope for is to enjoy what we have, for once we die, it is all over. How wrong that is. In death, those who are born again in Christ go to be with the Lord. Death is not the cessation of life, but the beginning. Do you see how messed up you can get when you turn from the Lord and His truth!
VERSES 11
1. As Solomon looked at life he saw how unpredictable it is. It is not always the fastest runner who wins. The strong don't always win. The wise are not always rewarded. The best man doesn't always win. Life is not always fair, but that is just the way it is. When J. Paul Getty was asked to explain his success, he said this: "Some people find oil. Others don't." In other words, life is a roll of the dice, and who knows what will come up. Again, that is man's view of life.
VERSE 12
1. Life is so frail, it can be taken away so quickly. None of us know when that will happen. The bigger question is not when are we going to die, but are we prepared to meet our maker when we do?
VERSES 13-15
1. We are not sure of the situation that Solomon saw, but what we do know is a mighty king came to overtake a small city. And before he could accomplish his goal, a poor wise man of the city came up with a plan to defeat this enemy, and his plan worked. Unfortunately, after the city was safe again, the people forgot how this man delivered them.
VERSES 16-17
1. It seems that the person who makes the most noise is the one who is heard, no matter if he is a fool or not. And when you begin to digest what a fool has said, you are left hungry. Their words are unsatisfying. It is like that old television commercial when the old woman is purchasing a hamburger and as she looks at what she just purchased she says, "Where's the beef?"
VERSE 18
1. One thing that comes to mind is the anti-abortion protests. For the most part they have been very peaceful protests, especially when you compare them with other protests for other causes. And yet, just a few people, not representing Christ by their actions, killing an abortion doctor and some of the workers at these clinics, have put to shame all the good that was done. Fools can undermined the work of God, be wise!
ECCLESIASTES 10
VERSE 1
1. You can build your reputation for years, and yet one mistake can destroy it. All the years of doing good will be forgotten because of one bad decision. Be wise in what you do, for it will keep you healthy and strong.
VERSE 2
1. The right hand was the place of power and honor. The left hand was the place of shame and dishonor. Thus, Solomon is saying that a wise person will do what is right and a fool what is wrong.
VERSE 3
1. A fool makes himself known by his actions. It is like wearing a big sign that has the word "FOOL" painted on it, all can tell.
VERSE 4
1. Don't let the actions of others cause you to be offended, to walk off the job when your boss tells you something you don't like. If you do, you are only hurting yourself. Be wise! As Proverbs 15:1-2 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness."
VERSES 5-7
1. Here Solomon is speaking of the mistake of putting fools in positions of leadership. The fool parades around while the person who should be in a leadership position is left walking around. And the big problem here is that as the leaders go, so go the people. And this principle can be applied in business and in the church! Solomon pointed this idea out in Proverbs 19:10 when he said "Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes."
VERSES 8-9
1. I think that Solomon is speaking of exercising wisdom in the things we do in life. If you dig a pit, be careful you don't fall into it. If you are knocking down walls, remember in that part of the world snakes like to hide in the walls, and so be careful not to get bit by one. When you are quarrying stone, pay attention, you may be hurt by these rocks. And if you are cutting wood, watch out so the wood won't break apart and injure you. Pay attention in what you are doing!
VERSE 10
1. This is obvious. Of course it is going to be harder to cut wood if the ax is dull, you will have to use more energy to do the work. If you exercise some wisdom in a given situation, the work might get done faster and easier. As Leupold said, "Wisdom prepares the way for success."
VERSE 11
1. Be careful, for just as the snake might bite you if you are not paying attention, so might the babbler.
VERSES 12-15
1. Here Solomon pictures a fool who can't shut up. He keeps talking and talking about absolutely nothing. He looks and sounds like a madman. This person is so smart in his own eyes, an expert in everything, and yet he can't find his way around the city.
VERSES 16-17
1. Solomon is not speaking of a young king but a king or leader that acts like a child. He is speaking of having the right people be leaders or the nation will be in trouble.
VERSES 18-19
1. A fool is not interested in taking care of his family, repairing the house, only in having a good time, satisfying the flesh. And so everything is falling apart around him, his life is a mess, but he tries to satisfy himself by buying things. Jesus said in Luke 12:15, "...'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.'" And yet we say "He who dies with the most toys, wins!" NOT!
VERSE 20
1. This is where that saying came, "A little bird told me." In other words, be careful what you say and who you say it to.
ECCLESIASTES 11
VERSE 1
1. Casting grain in the water seems foolish. But, this idea may come from the practice of casting the grain in the overflowing Nile River so that when the water recedes, the grain will remain in the rich and fertile soil that the Nile left behind. It seems foolish to do, and yet if you do, you will receive a bountiful harvest. The principle here is simple. It seems foolish to give money to a person in need that can't repay you back. But God calls for us to help those in need, not looking to get back from them, but the Lord will repay you. It is as Proverbs 19:17 says, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given." And Jesus said in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
VERSE 2
1. Help others out while you have a chance, you don't know what tomorrow may bring.
VERSES 3-4
1. A person who is going to wait to sow the seed until there is ideal weather conditions is never going to sow the seed. Life's circumstances may never be ideal, don't let that stop you. Remember Benaiah, one of David's mighty men. He went out and defeated a lion, the enemy, on a snowy day and in a pit. Not ideal conditions, but he didn't let that stop him. (II Samuel 23:20-22). As one person put it, "The man who waits for certainty will wait forever."
VERSES 5-6
1. We are called to sow the seed of God's Word in the field, or the world. Then it is in the hands of God as His Spirit works on the hearts of the people. Never stop sowing, for once you do, the fruit will disappear!
VERSES 7-8
1. Solomon was just talking about going out and doing the work of God, sowing the seed. Now he is telling us to enjoy our youth, do all that we can while we can, for one day we will be unable to accomplish those things we use to do. And the idea here is to prepare for the future by laying the groundwork while you are young. And Solomon doesn't leave us too hopeful here, "all that is coming is vanity" as he is speaking of the later years of life.
VERSE 9
1. He is encouraging us to enjoy our youth, to have fun, with the reminder that in all you do, be careful for you will have to answer for your actions before God. The day of reckoning will come!
VERSE 10
1. When I was growing up I never thought I would become an adult. My wife is still wondering when that is going to happen, but that is another story. But it seemed so long in coming. Now, looking back, it seems to go by so fast. Children should enjoy their childhood while they can. Too often we force them to be adults. Let them have fun for childhood passes away so quickly.
ECCLESIASTES 12
VERSES 1-2
1. You hear young people today speaking of having fun and they will deal with God when they get older. You can enjoy your youth and still serve the creator. There is great joy in serving the King and learning to be content with what God has given each of us. Solomon learned the hard way, and is instructing us to learn from his mistakes and not wait till the end of your life to get right with God. In other words, get right with God now, while there is still time!
2. Now Solomon is going to give us a picture of old age by using an allegory. It is a picture of a decaying house that gives us the picture of an old man shuffling his way to the grave! And when you look at life outside of God, I guess that is all you have to look forward to, THE GRAVE!
VERSES 3-5
1. A PICTURE OF LIFE AS WE GET OLDER:
Keepers of the house tremble - speaks of our arms.
Strong men bow down - speaks of our legs.
Grinders cease, they are few - loosing our teeth.
Windows grow dim - our eyesight becomes poor.
Doors are shut - our hearing begins to go.
Rises up easily - can't sleep at night.
Daughters of music brought low - voice begins to deteriorate.
Afraid of heights - Acrophobia.
Terrors in the way - afraid to go out, frail.
Almond tree blossoms - hair turns white or gray.
Grasshopper is a burden - we become very weak.
Desire fails - natural appetite diminishes, food and even sexual desire, and-so-on.
The end result - DEATH!
VERSES 6-8
1. In the end our light goes out, the cord of life is cut, and through it all Solomon sees life as being totally empty, unfulfilling, unsatisfying, unfair and frustrating. Now don't give up yet, we are coming to the jewel of the book!
VERSES 9-10
1. Solomon wrote over 3,000 Proverbs in his life, he was a very educated man. (I Kings 4:32-33).
2. This is interesting to me. Even though Solomon struggled most of his life, he knew what was the truth and he spoke the truth to others. Why he didn't apply it to his own life I don't know!
VERSE 11
1. When you speak the truth, the Word of God, it will goad people or drive them forward. When you speak the truth, the Word of God, it will be like a nail piercing their heart. It is as Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
VERSE 12
1. This is so true today. We have books and more books on anything and everything you can imagine, and even some you can't imagine! But, books will come and go, many of the things that are spoken as truth today will be cast aside tomorrow. But the Word of God is unchanging. It will last forever. As Psalm 19:7-11 says of God's Word, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward."
2. Now if Solomon ended here, it truly would be depressing, but he doesn't. But why in the world did we have to go through 12 chapters of dark, gloomy ideas that left us hopeless? Think of it this way. When a diamond is displayed it is placed in a black box or surrounded by black to show off its beauty. That is exactly what we see here. Solomon's pursuits of life "under the sun" or outside of God, were dark, they were empty, they were without hope. But now, here is the diamond that shines forth brightly. You see, everything he has said so far is leading up to this final conclusion.
VERSE 13
1. The whole reason we exist is to fear God and keep His Words. If you do you will find true fulfillment in life. If He is the priority in your life, then you will be satisfied, content with what He has given you. That is our duty and in fulfilling that duty is satisfaction.
VERSE 14
1. Not only will this life be one of satisfaction, contentment, but in the life to come we will enter into eternity with our Lord. As Paul said in Romans 8:28-29, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." God is working all things to conform us into His image! Now for those outside of Christ they will be judged and found guilty of their sins and be eternally separated from God. Listen to the Words of Jesus in John 3:14-21. He said "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."
2. When you read this book you are brought to the depths of darkness of human experience only to see the light of God shine brightly forth in the end. You see, a diamond set in the blackness of human experience is now shinning forth brightly for us to see. It is as Jesus said in John 5:24, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." And John said in I John 5:13, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." As we reach the depths of our hopeless sinful condition, God gives us hope, He gives us life in Him! As we conclude our study this evening, and the book of Ecclesiastes, let me leave you with this poem from Paul Gerhardt. It goes like this:
THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION,
THERE IS NO HELL FOR ME,
THE TORMENT AND THE FIRE
MY EYES SHALL NEVER SEE;
FOR ME THERE IS NO SENTENCE,
FOR ME THERE IS NO STING
BECAUSE THE LORD WHO LOVES ME
SHALL SHIELD ME WITH HIS WING.