Discussion Questions
Old Testament
If Solomon believed in God, why did he write about so many things that are apparently wrong with the world? Specifically, Ecclesiastes 4?
New Testament
What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:15 (WEB), “As it is written, ’He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.’”
Notes and Commentary
Old Testament
If Solomon believed in God, why did he write about so many things that are apparently wrong with the world? Specifically, Ecclesiastes 4?
Slow Suicide
[1-3] Next I turned my attention to all the outrageous violence that takes place on this planet—the tears of the victims, no one to comfort them; the iron grip of oppressors, no one to rescue the victims from them. So I congratulated the dead who are already dead instead of the living who are still alive. But luckier than the dead or the living is the person who has never even been, who has never seen the bad business that takes place on this earth.
[4] Then I observed all the work and ambition motivated by envy. What a waste! Smoke. And spitting into the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:1-4 (The Message).
Solomon was apparently very sad at the state of the world. It seemed to him that the oppressed suffered greatly, while the wicked oppressors frequently lived well.
The righteous are in a better state after they die. Have you ever heard someone remark at the funeral of someone who suffered greatly from some ailment before death, “he’s going to a better place?” In much the same way, Solomon may be noting that the righteous, who die will be in more comfort in heaven than on earth.
New York, American Tract society [c1859] Rand, W. W. (William Wilberforce), 1816-1909, ed. Those who die are “thus beyond the reach of tyranny and oppression.” Those who have not been born, have “been spared the pain of witnessing the many evidences of oppression and tyranny which are always found in the world. This is not an expression of unbelieving pessimism, but a statement of fact which will cause the believers to turn all the more eagerly to the comforts of the Christian religion.”
On the other hand, the ungodly people have much to fear from death, and therefore naturally seek to prolong this life:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. Ungodly men have most cause to wish the continuance of life with all its vexations, as a far more miserable condition awaits them if they die in their sins. If human and worldly things were our chief good, not to exist would be preferable to life, considering the various oppressions here below.
New Testament
What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:15 (WEB), “As it is written, ’He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.’”
This reference applied originally to the manna which God supplied to his people as they wandered in the wilderness. The manna was divided according to need, regardless of an individual’s success in gathering food. Paul is making an analogy to the Corinthians. Since all wealth is provided by God’s providence, that wealth ought to be provided to all of God’s people. Note, the same principal applies to us today.
Family Bible Notes from the Nazrene Users Group. The point urged by the apostle is, that now, as in the distribution of the ancient manna, every one should have his just supply. Those who have, whether they regard their own good or that of others, should cheerfully impart to those who have not. Blessings are not given to men that they should hoard them, or consume them upon their lusts, but that they should use them for the glory of God and the good of men.
Barnes’ New Testament Notes. This passage was originally applied to the gathering of manna by the children of Israel. The manna which fell around the camp of Israel was gathered every morning. All that were able were employed in gathering it; and when it was collected, it was distributed in the proportion of an omer, or about five pints to each man. Some would be more active and more successful than others. Some by age or infirmity would collect little; probably many by being confined to the camp would collect none. They who had gathered more than an omer, therefore, would in this way contribute to the wants of others, and would be constantly manifesting a spirit of benevolence. ... Paul applies this passage, therefore, in the very spirit in which it was originally penned, he means to say that the rich Christians at Corinth should impart freely to their poorer brethren. They had gathered more wealth than was immediately necessary for their families or themselves. They should, therefore, impart freely to those who had been less successful. Wealth, like manna, is the gift of God. It is like that spread by his hand around us every day. Some are able to gather much more than others. By their skill, their health, their diligence, or by providential arrangements, they are eminently successful. Others are feeble, or sick, or aged, or destitute of skill, and are less successful. All that is obtained is by the arrangement of God. The health, the strength, the skill, the wisdom by which we are enabled to obtain it, are all his gift. ... Wealth, like manna, should be employed in the service which God designs--employed to diffuse everywhere the blessings of religion, comfort, and peace.
Random Quotes
"Those who survived the San Francisco earthquake said, “Thank God, I’m still alive.” But, of course, those who died, their lives will never be the same again."
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
— Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790), Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759
"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."
— Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)
"There’s no secret about success. Did you ever know a successful man who didn’t tell you about it?"
— Kin Hubbard (1868 – 1930)
Notes:
© Tom Truex 2014, Davie, FL