Loading…
10:1 the ointment of the perfumer An ointment created by blending different spices (Exod 30:34–35). The addition of something small, such as a dead fly, would ruin the perfume.
Perfumes and Spices AYBD
10:3 everyone that he is a fool Like the wisdom of a wise man, a fool’s folly will be apparent (Eccles 8:1).
10:4 the anger of the ruler Resembles the author’s charge to keep the king’s command in 8:2–5. Proverbs makes a similar observation (Prov 16:14). See note on Eccles 10:16; and note on v. 20.
10:5 under the sun This common refrain refers to the entirety of life on earth. See note on 1:3.
10:6–7 These verses describe situations where people have been placed in inappropriate positions. Fools and slaves are elevated to positions of authority and respect while the rich and powerful are put in positions of servitude. Here, the author is concerned with unfair or unjust situations. This is also reflected in Proverbs (Prov 19:10; 30:21–23). |
10:8–9 These verses describe situations where “time and chance” (Eccles 9:11) negatively affect people. In each instance, normal day to day activities—digging a pit, tearing down a wall, breaking rocks, or cutting wood—are interrupted by some sort of accident, illustrating humanity’s limited ability to know or control future circumstances. |
10:12–15 The speech of the wise and the fool is a common theme in Wisdom Literature. Proverbs often upholds wise speech as beneficial (Prov 16:23) while condemning the speech of the fool (18:7). Ecclesiastes 10:15 speaks about fools’ actions rather than their speech. |
10:16 your king is a youth The fate of a nation depends on the quality of its leadership. Foolish rulers who live self-indulgent lives often neglect the needs of their subjects, whereas rulers who exercise proper self-restraint can greatly benefit their nations (1 Kgs 3:9–14, 28).
The differences between good and bad rulers are often discussed in Wisdom literature. Wise kings
eliminate wickedness (Prov 20:26), while foolish kings oppress people (Prov 28:16). Just kings benefit the land (Prov 29:4), while kings given to alcohol neglect the afflicted (Prov 31:4). Proverbs also asserts that while people look to their rulers, justice truly comes from God (Prov 29:26). He is the one who directs kings (Prov 8:15; 21:1). See note on Eccl 10:20.
King and Kingship AYBD
feast in the morning Describes drunken, irresponsible behavior (Isa 5:11–13).
10:17 Blessed are you The Hebrew word ashre (“happy” or “blessed”) was commonly used in Wisdom literature to indicate a fortunate person. See note on Psa 1:1.
to get drunk As opposed to those who feast in the morning. Rulers should not indulge in drunken behavior because it can impair their ability to rule justly (Prov 31:4–5)—and even put them at risk of assassination (1 Kgs 16:8–10).
Drunkenness EDB
Drunkenness ISBE
10:18–19 These verses may be stand-alone proverbs or they may connect to Eccles 10:16–17. If the latter is true, then v. 18 describes the effect of an incompetent ruler (v. 16) while v. 19 describes the land of a competent ruler (v. 17). |
10:19 Feasts Bread and wine were often used in celebrations. See note on 9:7.
10:20 Do not curse the king The author warns against cursing a king regardless of his competence (vv. 16–17). Earlier, he had warned that one should obey the king because the king’s power is absolute (8:2–5).
Wisdom in the OT AYBD
may carry your voice Similar to the modern phrase “the walls have ears.” A curse on the king will reach his ears by some means.
|
About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
| Copyright |
Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. |
| Support Info | fsb |