a time to love
This phrase acknowledges the natural and divinely appointed seasons in life where love is the appropriate response. Love is a central theme throughout the Bible, epitomized in the greatest commandments to love God and love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). The Hebrew word for love used here can encompass various forms of love, including familial, friendly, and romantic. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it suggests that there are moments when love should be expressed and prioritized, aligning with God's nature as love (1 John 4:8). This aligns with the biblical narrative of God's covenantal love for His people, as seen in His relationship with Israel and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ's sacrificial love (John 3:16).

and a time to hate
This phrase may seem contradictory to the Christian message of love, but it reflects the reality of living in a fallen world. The Bible does not promote personal hatred but acknowledges that there are times when hatred of evil and sin is appropriate (Psalm 97:10). This is not a call to hate individuals but to detest actions and systems that oppose God's righteousness. The prophetic literature often speaks of God's hatred for idolatry and injustice (Amos 5:21-24). In the New Testament, believers are called to hate what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9), indicating a moral discernment that aligns with God's holiness.

a time for war
This phrase recognizes that there are occasions when conflict is unavoidable. In the Old Testament, war was sometimes sanctioned by God, particularly in the context of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land (Joshua 6). These wars were often seen as divine judgment against nations that opposed God's purposes. The concept of a "just war" has been debated throughout Christian history, with criteria developed to determine when war might be morally justified. In a broader spiritual sense, the New Testament speaks of spiritual warfare against the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), where believers are called to put on the armor of God.

and a time for peace
Peace is a significant biblical theme, representing not just the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness and harmony. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses well-being, prosperity, and reconciliation. The prophetic vision of peace is seen in the Messianic prophecies, where the coming of the Messiah would bring ultimate peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). Jesus Christ is referred to as the Prince of Peace, and His ministry emphasized peace with God and among people (John 14:27). The New Testament encourages believers to live at peace with everyone as much as possible (Romans 12:18), reflecting the peace that Christ has made through His cross (Colossians 1:20).

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes explore the meaning of life and the human experience.

2. Israel
The nation of Israel, often experiencing cycles of war and peace, serves as a backdrop for understanding the historical context of Solomon's writings.

3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)
The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who reflects on the seasons and times of life, offering wisdom and insight.Understanding Seasons of Life
Recognize that life is composed of various seasons, each with its purpose. Embrace the wisdom in discerning the appropriate time for different actions and emotions.

Balancing Love and Hate
While love is a central Christian virtue, there is a time to hate what is evil. This requires discernment to ensure that our hatred is directed towards sin and injustice, not individuals.

Pursuing Peace
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers. This involves actively seeking reconciliation and harmony in our relationships and communities.

The Reality of Conflict
Acknowledge that conflict and war are part of the human experience. Christians are called to navigate these times with wisdom, seeking God's guidance and striving for peace whenever possible.

Reflecting on God's Sovereignty
Trust in God's perfect timing and sovereignty over the seasons of life. This trust provides comfort and direction, even in times of war and peace.Verse 8. - A time to love, and a time to hate. This reminds one of the gloss to which our Lord refers (Matthew 5:43), "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy," the first member being found in the old Law (Leviticus 19:18), the second being a misconception of the spirit which made Israel God's executioner upon the condemned nations. It was the maxim of Bias, quoted by Aristotle, 'Rhet.,' 2:13, that we should love as if about some day to hate, and hate as if about to love. And Philo imparts a still more selfish tone to the gnome, when he pronounces ('De Carit.,' 21, p. 401, Mang.), "It was well said by them of old, that we ought to deal out friendship without absolutely renouncing enmity, and practice enmity as possibly to turn to friendship. A time of war, and a time of peace. In the previous couplets the infinitive mood of the verb has been used; in this last hemistich substantives are introduced, as being more concise and better fitted to emphasize the close of the catalogue. The first clause referred specially to the private feelings which one is constrained to entertain towards individuals. The second clause has to do with national concerns, and touches on the statesmanship which discovers the necessity or the opportuneness of war and peace, and acts accordingly. In this and in all the other examples adduced, the lesson intended is this - that man is not independent; that under all circumstances and relations he is in the hand of a power mightier than himself, which frames time and seasons according to its own good pleasure. God holds the threads of human life; in some mysterious way directs and controls events; success and failure are dependent upon his will. There are certain laws which, regulate the issues of actions and events, and man cannot alter these; his free-will can put them in motion, but they become irresistible when in operation. This is not fatalism; it is the mere statement of a fact in experience. Koheleth never denies man's liberty, though he is very earnest in asserting God's sovereignty. The reconciliation of the two is a problem unsolved by him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


a time
עֵ֤ת (‘êṯ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

to love
לֶֽאֱהֹב֙ (le·’ĕ·hōḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 157: To have affection f

and a time
וְעֵ֣ת (wə·‘êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

to hate,
לִשְׂנֹ֔א (liś·nō)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8130: To hate

a time
עֵ֥ת (‘êṯ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

for war
מִלְחָמָ֖ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

and a time
וְעֵ֥ת (wə·‘êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

for peace.
שָׁלֽוֹם׃ (šā·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love and a time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)