8:1 makes his face shine A person’s wisdom (or folly) will be evident (Eccles 10:3).

the hardness of his face This is probably a reference to stubborn arrogance (Deut 28:50).

8:2 Keep the command of the king See note on Eccles 10:20.

8:4 What are you doing This same phrase appears in Job 9:12 regarding God’s authority. Just as no one can legitimately challenge divine authority (Eccles 3:14; 7:13–14), no one can challenge the authority of the king. See Prov 24:21.

8:6 a proper time and right procedure Reminiscent of the author’s poem of the “times” in Eccles 3:1–8. See note on 3:9–15.

8:7 no one knows what will be A similar statement is made in the book of James, which bears many similarities to ot Wisdom literature (see Jas 4:14).

8:8 so wickedness will not deliver the wicked Earlier, the author lamented the prolonged life of the wicked compared to the premature death of the righteous (Eccles 7:15)—a theme which will be echoed later in this chapter. See note on v. 14.

8:9 under the sun Describes the entirety of life on earth. See note on 1:3.

8:10 I saw the wicked being honorably buried Receiving a proper burial was important in the ot (1 Sam 31:11–13; 2 Kgs 9:10). In addition, celebrating a wicked person in death while forgetting the righteous was considered an injustice (Eccles 4:16; 9:15). Proverbs teaches that the righteous will be remembered more than the wicked (Prov 10:7).

the holy place Possibly a reference to the temple (Psa 24:3) or to the burial place of the wicked. The second option emphasizes that the wicked are celebrated in death.

8:11 sentence against The word used here, pithgam, is a Persian term. It is used in Esther to describe the decree of the Persian king, Ahasuerus (Esth 1:20). Its presence in Ecclesiastes suggests the book was written or edited after the exile when Persian terms were more commonly used by Jewish people (post-538 bc; see note on Eccles 1:1).

is not carried out quickly The lack of timely judgment encourages further wickedness because no consequences follow ill behavior.

8:12 it will be good As in 3:17, the author expresses belief in God’s ultimate justice. Compare 12:14.

8:13 and they will not prolong their days This seems to contradict the claims of v. 12 and 8:14. However, as in 3:16–17, the author contrasts his observation of the prevalence of injustice with his belief that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

Justice

8:14 the righteous suffer what the wicked deserve The author laments that the wicked and the righteous get the opposite of what they deserve.

8:15 I recommend enjoyment As he does elsewhere (Eccles 2:24; 3:12–13, 22; 5:18–20; 9:7–9; 11:8–9), the author encourages people to enjoy life despite its many difficulties. See note on 9:7–10.

8:16 I applied my mind The author restates his search for understanding (1:13).

8:17 a wise man claims that he knows it The author is presented as the supreme example of wisdom (1:16; 12:9). If he cannot understand God’s work, no one can. No matter the effort, human wisdom is limited (12:12). Those who claim to understand it may be like Job’s friends who incorrectly offered reasons for Job’s suffering (Job 4–42).

Wisdom and Related Terms