BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For
the week beginning Sunday December 1, 2013
____________________________________________________________
WHAT’S
THE ANSWER?
(Pursuing
GOD as our greatest goal)
Ecclesiastes
11:1-10 & 12:13-14
One of the key points that Solomon continues to make
in the book of Ecclesiastes is that, as human beings we are, for the most part,
ignorant concerning GOD’s sovereignty, providence, and control over our
existence, time, and the function of all creation in general. However, when
we become aware of the greatness of GOD, we should not let that
knowledge lead to “gross inactivity” and “a giving up on life”,
taking on an attitude of, “What’s the use in trying”.
GOD still blesses us with “wills
that are free”, or a “freedom of choice”, and life’s
circumstances are dictated by those choices, and not by some “personal
pre-destined path that we are forced by GOD to go down, whether we want to or
not”. It is in that light of understanding that one must approach his or
her study of this “divine”, but also, “humanistic” book called
Ecclesiastes.
Here is chapter 11 Solomon begins
by advising us on the benefits of giving. However, Solomon is not
suggesting that, by doing so, we are putting GOD in our debt, or putting another
person into our debt. That would be “lending”, not “giving”. And
while some lending can be good, we can’t lend to GOD, and giving to
someone in need is always better than lending. Our generosity should always
come from the heart, and not from “selfish motives” such as self
promotion, trying to compete with others, or giving expecting
something in return (Vs.1-2).
In verses 3-6 we see a somewhat peculiar
analogy being used by Solomon, of “clouds” and “trees”. Here he
imparts wisdom, seemingly to the farmer, but upon closer examination we see
that this advice can also be applied to anyone’s trade. It is a reminder to remain diligent in plying
our trade, or, even in our approach to any of life’s many situations.
Even though a farmer can’t always
rely on the proper amount of rainfall that is needed to water his crops, and
sometimes gale force winds capable of uprooting trees can thoroughly destroy
the crop that he has sown for later harvest, he still must not give up on his
work. A fallen tree can still be used for firewood to keep him warm when the
days grow cold (v.3).
None of us can afford to wait
on perfect conditions before we begin to act on a task. As mere humans, we
have no earthly idea what GOD may choose to do regarding the weather, or anything
else. GOD’s ways are as mysterious as the intricacies of a child being
formed in a woman’s womb, and is as unpredictable as the wind (Vs.4-5).
That is why it is best not to put all one’s eggs into one basket, but rather,
we would be better off planting a variety of crops, or investing in a variety
of ventures, and we never know which ones will be fruitful, and just maybe,
they all will (v.6).
In Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8,
Solomon, for the most part, urges us to rejoice in our youth, through “responsible
living”. In fact, this passage can actually be divided into three sections;
·
The first section, 11:7-8, is a call for us to
enjoy life, even in the view of impending death. In this section, Solomon
writes metaphorically of light and darkness, as elements of life and death. He
encourages his readers to enjoy life as it comes, because life, like the
pleasant light of the sun, should be enjoyed before the coming darkness of
“night”, or “death”. The grave, in Old Testament understanding, was called
one’s eternal home.
· In
the second section, 11:9-10, Solomon warns that our enjoyment of life should
begin in our youth, because youth gets away from us quickly. However, he also
warns, that our enjoyment should be resigned to responsible living, because
ultimately, everyone is answerable to GOD, and all of us will have to make an
account to GOD, for the deeds done in our lifetimes.
·
In
the third section, 12:1-7, Solomon stresses the importance of the responsible
enjoyment of youth, because old age is a time of increasing decay and corrosion
of one’s physical body that, ultimately, culminates in death. Solomon
brilliantly uses this description of death to motivate responsible living in
our youth. It is, in effect, a reversal of Creation, as our spirit returns to
GOD, who gave it, and we are in the end, judged by HIM.
In Ecclesiastes 12, verses 12-13 Solomon
concludes the book of Ecclesiastes with these thoughts and admonitions for all
that are wise enough to accept them. We find here in this passage, perhaps the
first sign, or inkling, that its author is clearly aware of GOD’s special
revelation in Scripture. And even now this final verse may only refer to the “moral
nature” and “knowledge” that GOD innately places in every human being. Here
Solomon states:
“There is no end of opinions ready to be
expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting! Here is
my final conclusion: Fear GOD and obey HIS commands, for this is the duty of
every person. GOD will judge us for everything we do, including every secret
thing, whether good or bad” (NLT).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
LARRY D. ALEXANDER-
Official Website
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