Compare Isaiah 22:13 with Ecclesiastes 8:15 on attitudes toward life. Setting the Stage Both passages talk about eating, drinking, and being merry, yet they are miles apart in spirit. One spotlights faithless fatalism; the other lifts up faithful enjoyment. Isaiah 22:13 – Despair Dressing Up as Celebration “Instead, there is joy and rejoicing, slaughtering cattle and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine: ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die!’” • Context: Jerusalem faces imminent judgment, but the people choose a last-night-on-earth party. • Heart posture: – No repentance, no prayer, no seeking God (vv. 11–12). – A shrug toward the future: “We’re doomed anyway; might as well live it up.” • Scripture’s verdict: This is not innocent fun; it is rebellion (v. 14). • Parallel warning: 1 Corinthians 15:32 shows Paul quoting this slogan to expose emptiness without resurrection hope. Ecclesiastes 8:15 – Joy as a Gift from God “So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat, drink, and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his labor all the days of the life that God has given him under the sun.” • Context: Life “under the sun” is brief and often puzzling, yet God’s gifts are to be received gratefully. • Heart posture: – Recognizes labor and limits “God has given.” – Finds contentment in ordinary pleasures as God’s provision (cf. 3:12-13; 5:18-20). • Not hedonism but humility: enjoyment anchored in the fear of God (12:13). Same Words, Different Heart • Both speak of “eat, drink, be glad,” yet Isaiah records defiant escapism; Ecclesiastes offers worshipful gratitude. • Motive matters: – Isaiah: pleasure because tomorrow is hopeless. – Ecclesiastes: pleasure because today is a gift. Key Contrasts in Attitude • View of God – Isaiah: Ignored or denied. – Ecclesiastes: Acknowledged as Giver. • View of the future – Isaiah: Doom; therefore indulge. – Ecclesiastes: Uncertain yet entrusted to God; therefore enjoy responsibly. • Result – Isaiah: Condemnation (vv. 14). – Ecclesiastes: Companion joy “all the days…God has given.” The Lessons for Today • Pleasure is not the problem; godless pleasure is (Luke 12:19-20). • Receive daily blessings with thanksgiving, not escapism (1 Timothy 6:17). • Celebrate, but let celebration flow from trust in the God who “came that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10). |
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