Ecclesiastes 10:16 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Ecclesiastes 10:16

Comments

Everything in this book is compared to the individual, so that when we read about what seems to be addressed to governments or nations, we must understand that Solomon is using a figure to teach us. These proverbs are not unrelated images without a common theme, but a collage of arguments urging us to seek the Lord. Having elsewhere in the book used arguments developed over many verses, the Preacher does not now resort to isolated unconnected truisms that ignore the central thrust of the book.First, we have a land ruled by an inexperienced youth. Perhaps his father, the previous king, has died prematurely before he has had time to prepare his son for the throne. As a result, this child now rules the nation, and finds himself suddenly cast into a world of tremendous influence, wealth and power which he does not have the maturity to handle. What is he supposed to do with all this? ‘O,’ he thinks, ‘this is going to transform my life. I can indulge myself in whatever way I please.’ It does not occur to him that these organs of state and all these resources are given not for him personally, but for the good of the nation. And so, he lives it up. Any thought of responsibility to his people is far from his mind. Forget about law and order, foreign policy, education, health and security; he does not yet see the importance of any of these things. Instead, the day is just one long feast which starts in the morning, when business should be being done, and goes on till late into the night. He is not going to have any long-term policy; he just wants fun. Maybe there are one or two senior officers competing with each other for their influence over the young king, but they too will be distracted from the real business of government.

Application

This is a powerful picture of someone who has no idea how to take life seriously. The kingdom is again the kingdom of your soul. It is as if a child who does not know how to reign has suddenly come to the throne, someone who is completely inexperienced on whom the nation depends for its survival. Fun and senses and feelings determine everything. We are driven by impulses, and we make all our decisions on a whim. Contradictory and inconsistent policies will be set up, which it will be impossible for the people to follow, and the most important things of all will be forgotten. We do not see that the devil is manipulating our desires and getting us to forget the most serious aspects of life – our relationship with God, the deliverance from the power of sin, the judgment and eternity to come. The result in the kingdom ruled by the child will be rebellion, attacks from enemies, and economic collapse. The result in our lives will be disappointment, guilt, fear, and ever deepening bondage to sin. Life cannot be lived in this superficial way. You may be doing well in your career, but who is in charge of your life? ‘What do I need with a long-term policy?’, you say, ‘I am concerned about today. Foreign policy? No, I am not interested in God.’

Do you squander the morning of life? That is the best time to seek the Lord before the years build up when deep rooted habits of sin become etched into your character.

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Ecclesiastes 10:16 Commentary and Bible Study