What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 3:16? Furthermore, I saw Solomon is not theorizing—he’s observing life as it really unfolds. After cataloging the seasons of life (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) and God’s sovereignty over them (vv. 9-15), he adds one more discovery. • Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 reminds us Solomon speaks as an eyewitness, so this “saw” carries the weight of fact, not opinion. • Proverbs 20:12 shows that the “seeing eye” is God’s gift; Solomon employs that gift here to expose what people often miss. Under the sun This favorite Ecclesiastes phrase points to life on earth viewed from a strictly temporal perspective—what we can see before eternity breaks in. • Ecclesiastes 1:14, 2:17, and 4:1 repeat the phrase, underscoring a horizontal focus. • Psalm 73:3-12 records Asaph’s similar “under the sun” struggle: outwardly, the wicked thrive while justice seems asleep. In the place of judgment The courtroom, town gate, or throne room was meant to uphold law and equity. Yet Solomon notices corruption right where justice should reign. • Deuteronomy 16:18-20 commands judges to “pursue justice” and reject bribes, revealing God’s intent for these spaces. • Isaiah 1:23 and Micah 3:11 lament judges who love “gifts” more than justice—proving Solomon’s insight timeless. There is wickedness The Hebrew king stacks the word “wickedness” against the location “place of judgment” to heighten the irony. • Psalm 82:2 challenges unjust rulers: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?”. • Proverbs 17:15 warns that acquitting the wicked and condemning the righteous are both detestable to the LORD—linking directly to Solomon’s complaint. And in the place of righteousness there is wickedness Even religious or ceremonial venues—where righteousness ought to shine—are tainted. Hypocrisy is not a modern invention. • Jeremiah 7:2-11 portrays people who “steal, murder, commit adultery,” then stand in the temple claiming safety. • Matthew 23:27-28 records Jesus confronting leaders who “appear righteous to men, but inside are full of hypocrisy and wickedness”. • 1 Peter 4:17 warns that judgment begins with God’s household, indicating that the problem Solomon spotted persists across covenants. summary Ecclesiastes 3:16 candidly reports that even the halls of justice and sanctuaries of righteousness can be riddled with evil. Solomon’s sober observation under the sun prepares us for his conclusion in 3:17—that only God will right every wrong. Until He does, we live alert to injustice without losing faith, knowing the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). |
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