Heritage Reformed Baptist Mission
ECCLESIASTES
Chapter 4
Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
v. 1 - no comforter = the power of the oppressors is such that: (1) they have no desire or concern to comfort; and (2) others, who might want to comfort, do not for fear of being themselves oppressed by those in power; but even in those circumstances, there is a Comforter for those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ - cf. John 14:16; 2 Corinthians 1:3
v. 2 - It is better to be dead than alive IF life is indeed vanity and vexation of spirit, especially for those who are oppressed with no one to comfort them; note, however, this sentiment does not take into consideration the result of faith in God and His purpose for the lives of His people on earth - cf. Philippians 1:23-24; Revelation 14:13
v. 3 - not yet been - cf. Matthew 26:24
v. 4 - envied = cf. Cain vs. Abel; Saul vs. David
- If working hard and doing good and materially profiting thereby is done to please men, then it is certainly vanity and vexation of spirit; pleasing God is what really counts - cf. Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1
v. 5 - foldeth hands together = is idle, EITHER because he is lazy, OR because he sees that hard work and prosperity thereby brings only the envy of others, which he wishes to avoid even to the point of destroying himself; OR both
- eateth his own flesh = destroys himself, both physically and spiritually - cf. Proverbs 13:4; 20:4
v. 6 - This may be the sentiment of the fool who would rather not have what would bring upon him the envy of others and as a rationalization of his idleness in comparison to the toil, labor and restlessness of his successful neighbor
- On the other hand, it may be the observation of the Preacher considering the vanity of toiling for wealth which, in itself, brings no contentment and happiness - cf. Hebrews 13:5
v. 7 - returned = turned to another situation
- vanity = described in v. 8
v. 8 - A description of a totally selfish, miserly person who is sold out to getting all he can and canning all he gets, not wanting and not needing (he thinks) anyone else in his life, and goes even to the extreme of not using the things for his own benefit and worldly comfort
vv. 9-12 - Describe the benefits of companionships, namely:
v. 9 - good reward = friendship; fellowship; spiritual enlightenment and growth; love; mutual comfort; advice; reproofs, etc.
v. 10 - Help in trouble and difficulty - cf. 2 Timothy 4:16-17
v. 11 - Warmth on a cold night
v. 12 - Firm support against adversaries, both physical and spiritual
- threefold cord = husband, wife, children; believer + believer + Holy Spirit - cf. Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1
v. 13 - old and foolish king = The Preacher speaking out of his own experience; it is good when a person, especially a leader, recognizes his folly and humbles himself to admit and correct it, and advise others to avoid it
v. 14 - out of prison = literally, as Joseph (cf. Genesis 41:14); or other kind of bondage, as Jeroboam (cf. 1 Kings 11:40)
- born in his kingdom = EITHER, the natural heir to the throne, as Rehoboam; OR, one born poor in the kingdom who comes from bondage and poverty to reign over it, as Jeroboam
vv. 15-16 - second child = the heir to the throne; or perhaps anyone who succeeds the present ruler
- The Preacher evaluates the attitude of the people towards a successor to the throne of a ruler with whom they had become disenchanted and determines that even though they now look favorably on the successor, their fickleness will result in disenchantment with him, too