Wednesday, October 16 – Ecclesiastes 12, 1 Kings 10

1. Why are the words of the wise like goads and those of the shepherd like nails? (Ecclesiastes 12:11)

2. How much knowledge does God have of our lives to judge us? (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

3. What was the purpose of Solomon’s fame? (1 Kings 10:1)

Commentary and Reflection:

The last chapter of Ecclesiastes begins with a well-known and very accurate piece of advice: “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come,  And the years draw near when you say,  ‘I have no pleasure in them.’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) 

Solomon then enters a series of metaphors to illustrate “the difficult days,” referring to the decline due to age.

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary explains: “The highly figurative imagery of vs. 2-6 has been variously interpreted. Many commentators, both Jewish and Christian, have explained this sequence as a description of the depleted physical powers of the sunset years of life, and the separate figures as referring to anatomical details of the body. There can be no doubt that Solomon, with superb literally skill, here describes old age and death, as specifically stated in vs. 1,5,7. The meaning of the allegory as a whole is clear — to “remember” one’s Creator before the approach of old age, and to devote one’s life to pursuits appropriate to such a concept of duty and destiny. This is, of course, the theme of the entire book.”  (SDA Bible Commentary, Ecclesiastes 12:2)

Solomon then repeats the refrain, which we can say is the theme of the book: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, all is vanity!” (Ecclesiastes 12:8) 

A “vanity” appears impressive but has no real value. Life without the purpose that comes from a relationship with the Creator is vanity. 

Finally, Solomon reaches the great conclusion and summary of the book, which is where the Preacher intended to lead all along: 

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: 
Fear God and keep His commandments, 
For this is man’s all. 
For God will bring every work into judgment, 
Including every secret thing, 
Whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

1 Kings 10 records the account of the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon, a story also told in 2 Chronicles 9. It is unclear where the queen’s country was located. Some scholars believe it was in modern-day Yemen, while others think it was in Ethiopia. 

Jesus, speaking of her, said: “The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.” (Matthew 12:42) 

“After the queen of Sheba had witnessed Solomon’s wisdom and works, she answered, not in words that showed a mere formal appreciation for the hospitality that had been accorded her, but in words that revealed that her heart had been deeply moved. In her response she touched but lightly on all the external magnificence and evidence of worldly prosperity and placed the main emphasis on extolling the God of Solomon, who had given him his wisdom and prosperity, and his fame, which had gone throughout the world. Instead of extolling the human agent she had rightfully been led to give glory to God. Her visit may have led to her conversion. There is reason to believe that the queen will be among the saved in the kingdom of God (Matt. 12:24). God intended that many such conversions should result from Israel playing her role among the peoples of earth. From here and there throughout the nations, men were to go to Israel and there become acquainted with Israel’s God. By such means light was to go out among all nations.” (SDA Bible Commentary, 1 Kings 10:9)

“And when “all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart” (2 Chronicles 9:23), Solomon for a time honored God by reverently pointing them to the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Ruler of the universe, the All-wise. Had Solomon continued in humility of mind to turn the attention of men from himself to the One who had given him wisdom and riches and honor, what a history might have been his!” (Prophets and Kings, p. 67)

That is the danger of prosperity: forgetting where the blessings come from. May God help us learn from Solomon’s experience. Let us remember the conclusion of his discourse: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment.”

May God grant you a very blessed day.