ECCLESIASTES 11

verses 1-6 These verses teach “that the conduct of life cannot be based on a single principle.” (Hendry)

verses 1-2 There are two distinct views as to what these verses mean. The traditional application says that it refers to giving to others. As E. P. Lee expresses it: “perform charitable deeds with abandon.” And he adds, “One must enjoy the bread in one's possession; one must also gladly release it for the benefit of others.” Thus, it is somewhat akin to Jesus' advice to “make friends for yourself with dishonest mammon.”

However, Whybray notes that modern commentators take it to be good business advice referring to the sea-bearing trade in grain. Ellul labels this view as “utterly stupid.” “In view of his overall perspective, why would Qohelet give advice to make business practice more profitable.” (Reason for Being) The traditional view may have the last say after all since an ancient Egyptian wisdom text has been found that uses the same figure of speech and applies it to charitable giving.

In any case, these verses teach that one never knows what the end result will be of our actions. In light of that, taking calculated risks can be a valuable thing (D. G. Moore) and “don't put all your eggs in one basket.” I thought of this today while eating some Girl Scout cookies that had inspirational messages on them. One of them said “I am a risk taker.” I am not really sure that is an appropriate message in regard to COVID exposure, but it certainly applies to many other situations.

Some of you may be confused by the “seven or even eight” found in verse 2. This phrase defines it as one of the numerical sayings also found in Proverbs 6:16; 30:15-33; Amos 1-2; and especially Micah 5:5. These x, x+ 1 pronouncements are a Hebrew figure of speech in which the actual numbers are not as important as the increasing intensity of thought that they express. If one wishes to get literal, however, their use in this particular verse may just mean “several”or “many.” The New Oxford Annotated Bible says that together the two numbers “signify a large, though indefinite amount.”

verses 3-4 Here are comments from some scholars on these verses:

“What is to happen will happen, and what has happened must be accepted.” (Scott)

“This possibility of choice remains always open before us and should fill us with courage rather than paralyzing us.” (Ellul)

“By doing nothing, you may miss a great opportunity.” (D. G. Moore)

“The farmer who waits for perfect weather conditions will never sow.” (Seow)

verses 3-6 Tying together these verses are several verbal repetitions. The same Hebrew word is usually translated as wind in v.4 and breath in v. 5. There is a repeated chorus of “You do not know” and variations found in verses 2, 5(2x), and 6. The Hebrew word indicating a pregnant woman in verse 5 appears only here in the OT. It literally means “a full woman,” thus pointing back to the full clouds in verse 5.

verse 5 Kostenberger sees parallels to this thought in John 3:5-8.

verse 6 Fleming remarks that this is unlike the pessimism the Preacher has often been accused of. An ancient Jewish understanding of “sowing seed” in this verse was that it referred to procreation, a view that Whybray calls “fanciful.”

verses 7-8 This is similar to Jesus' “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” or Paul's “making the most of the time (Colossians 4:5).” It definitely does not mean to avoid planning for the future.

verse 8 “The wise person lives joyfully in the present yet realizes the brevity and uncertainty of life." (D.G. Moore) T. J. Meek detects five different ways in which the word hebel is used in Ecclesiastes including futile, empty, sorry, senseless, and transient. The last is the meaning in this verse. Similarly, NRSV translates it as “impermanence.” Look at additional translations.

Verse 9 may be a little difficult to understand. Here are three interpretations of this passage:

“Judgment does not appear here for the purpose of clipping the wings of our joy; on the contrary, it gives our joy meaning, depth,and duration” since “we do have the assurance that God gives justice in his judgment.” (J. Ellul)

“God calls people to account for failure to accept the gift of enjoyment.” (Seow)

“To the author the enjoyment of life is not something about which a man can be indifferent...He has a positive responsibility to enjoy life now, and God will call him to account for the way he responds to this responsibility.” (Fleming)

verses 9-10 Hendry cautions that this does not refer to youth sowing their wild oats or to the idolization of youth. This theme of youth will continue into Chapter 12 where it is contrasted with old age.