Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
The "One Event" (Death) is applied to all, regardless of moral standing. Qoheleth urges the believer to "Eat thy bread with joy" and "Live joyfully with the wife," because this is the "portion" in this life. He concludes with an anecdote about a "poor wise man" who saved a city but was forgotten, showing the vanity of social recognition.
THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
1. The Hand of God: The righteous and the wise are "in the hand of God" (v. 1), yet their earthly fate is not always distinguishable from the wicked.
2. Common Grace: The call to "white garments" and "ointment" (v. 8) is a mandate to celebrate life’s common graces despite its inherent "Hebel."
Practical Lessons
PRACTICAL LESSONS
1. Zeal in Labor: "Do it with thy might" (v. 10), because the opportunity for earthly work ends at the grave.
2. Value of Wisdom: Wisdom is better than "weapons of war," even if it is not rewarded by men (v. 18).