Journal Through the Bible: Week 48 Saturday

Source

Ecclesiastes chapters 5 & 6

Solomon realized that a temporal view of life is depressing. On the other hand, an eternal view is liberating!

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• In Numbers chapter 30, which is part of the law given to Moses, God gave commands concerning making and keeping vows. Solomon emphasizes this command and gives reason why it is urgent to keep it. (5:4-7)
• Solomon also championed the cause of the poor. (5:8) God commanded the Israelites in Leviticus to not take advantage of the poor because He would avenge them if they cried out to Him.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak directly in these chapters however Solomon does refer to the provision of God upon those who labor. He calls the benefit of this labor a person's portion or a gift from God. (This is the basis of God's command not to steal. The things gained from honest labor belong to the person who worked for them. God honors the laborer and his labor by giving him joy in his heart because of his busy days.)

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus behaved himself wisely when He visited His Father's House. His words proved that He was no fool.
• Jesus kept all of His vows to God. He finished the work that the Father gave Him to do and to which He agreed in the predeterminate counsel between all the members of the Godhead.
• Jesus gave up the mansions of Heaven for a season. The owner of the whole world seemed to have few earthly possessions in His sojourn on earth. He obviously had no desire to take it all with Him to Heaven when He left! And yet, God provided for His needs throughout His whole life, most notably during the time of His earthly ministry.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Solomon sorrows over the fact that the wealth that one obtains on earth does not go into eternity with the person. (5:13-16) Jesus said that we are to labor to set aside treasures in Heaven because those we will have for all eternity. (Matthew 6:19-21) Someday we will all leave what we gathered on earth and will gain our eternal possessions.