If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. If you seeThe phrase "If you see" invites the reader to be observant and aware of the realities around them. In the Hebrew context, the verb "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies not just physical sight but also understanding and discernment. It calls believers to be vigilant and discerning about the injustices in the world, encouraging them to look beyond the surface and recognize deeper truths. the oppression of the poor
"Oppression" (עֹשֶׁק, osheq) refers to the exploitation and unjust treatment of the vulnerable. The "poor" (רָשׁ, rash) in ancient Israel were often those without land or means, dependent on the mercy and justice of others. This phrase highlights a recurring biblical theme: God's concern for the marginalized and His call for His people to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8). and the perversion of justice and righteousness
"Perversion" (עִוּוּת, ivvut) suggests a twisting or distortion of what is right. "Justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) and "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah) are foundational to God's character and His expectations for human society. The perversion of these principles indicates a society that has strayed from God's design, where fairness and moral integrity are compromised. in the province
The term "province" (מְדִינָה, medinah) refers to a region or administrative district. In the historical context of Ecclesiastes, this could relate to the various territories under the rule of a king or governor. It underscores that such injustices are not isolated but can be systemic, affecting entire communities or regions. do not be astonished at the matter
The exhortation "do not be astonished" (תִּתְמַהּ, titmah) suggests that such occurrences, while grievous, should not surprise the believer. The "matter" (חֵפֶץ, chefetz) refers to the situation or issue at hand. This counsel reflects a realistic understanding of human nature and the fallen world, reminding believers that while they should work against injustice, they should not be naive about its presence. For one official watches over another
This phrase indicates a hierarchy or bureaucracy where "one official" (שֹׁמֵר, shomer) is accountable to another. The structure implies a system of oversight intended to maintain order and prevent abuse. However, it also suggests the potential for corruption at multiple levels, as each official may be complicit in the systemic injustice. and higher officials are over them
The presence of "higher officials" (גָּבוֹהַּ, gavoah) over others points to a layered authority structure. This can be seen as a safeguard against tyranny, but it also highlights the complexity of governance and the potential for power to be misused. In a biblical sense, it serves as a reminder that ultimate authority belongs to God, who is the highest judge and overseer of all. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Oppressed PoorIndividuals who suffer under unjust systems and lack the means to defend themselves. 2. OfficialsGovernment or authority figures responsible for maintaining justice but often involved in corruption. 3. The ProvinceRepresents any region or area where governance is exercised, highlighting the universality of the issue. 4. Higher OfficialsThose in positions of greater authority who oversee other officials, often contributing to systemic corruption. 5. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, offering wisdom on the human condition and governance. Teaching Points Understanding Human GovernanceRecognize that human systems are flawed and often corrupt, but God is sovereign over all. Expecting InjusticeDo not be surprised by injustice; instead, be prepared to respond biblically and righteously. Role of AccountabilityAcknowledge the need for accountability at all levels of authority to prevent and address corruption. Christian ResponsibilityAs Christians, we are called to advocate for justice and support the oppressed, reflecting God's heart. Trust in God's JusticeUltimately, trust that God will bring about true justice, even when human systems fail. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the inevitability of injustice in human systems affect your perspective on current events? 2. In what ways can you hold local or national leaders accountable to promote justice and righteousness? 3. How can you personally support the oppressed in your community, reflecting the biblical call to justice? 4. What role does prayer play in addressing the perversion of justice and oppression of the poor? 5. How can the teachings of Micah 6:8 be practically applied in your daily life to promote justice and mercy? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 29:2Discusses the impact of righteous and wicked rulers on the people, connecting to the theme of governance and justice. Isaiah 10:1-2Condemns those who enact unjust laws and oppress the poor, paralleling the themes of oppression and perversion of justice. Psalm 82:3-4Calls for defending the weak and fatherless, emphasizing the biblical mandate for justice and righteousness. Romans 13:1-7Discusses the role of governing authorities and the Christian's response to them, providing a New Testament perspective on authority. Micah 6:8Summarizes what God requires: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, offering a practical application of justice. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Amazed, Authority, Cruel, Denial, Denied, District, Eyed, Higher, Highest, Judgment, Justice, Keeping, Law, Marvel, Matter, Observing, Official, Officials, Ones, Oppressed, Oppression, Overturned, Perversion, Perverting, Poor, Province, Regardeth, Righteousness, Rights, Seest, Shocked, Sight, State, Surprised, Taking, Violent, Violently, Watch, Watched, Watches, Watcheth, Watching, Wonder, Yet, YokeDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 5:8 5504 rights
8282 intolerance Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 5349 injustice, examples
5465 profit
8791 oppression, nature of Ecclesiastes 5:8-15 5916 pessimism Library Naked or Clothed?
'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLessons for Worship and for Work
'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. 3. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 5:8 NIVEcclesiastes 5:8 NLTEcclesiastes 5:8 ESVEcclesiastes 5:8 NASBEcclesiastes 5:8 KJV
Ecclesiastes 5:8 Commentaries
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