There is Hope - Ecclesiastes 9:4

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yes, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead”, and in chapter nine and verse four of his book Solomon said, “to him that is joined to all the living there is hope” where we read,

For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

The verse reads, “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope:” Solomon began with the words, “for to him” or “because, since and on account that to the person whether male or female” “that is joined” which means “who exists as united with, bound together and coupled” “to all the living” or “to each, every, the whole and everyone of the people who are lively, flowing and active” “there is hope” which means “there exists trust and confidence”. Solomon declared that “hope” exists for people who are active and alive.

 

The verse goes on to say, “for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” Solomon continued with the words, “for a living dog” or “because, since and on account that a lively, active and flowing yelping and attacking canine” “is better than a dead lion” which means “exists in a more pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable manner compared to a non-breathing, inactive and non-living lion animal”. Solomon concluded that a “dog” that is alive and active exists in a more pleasant manner compared to a non-living “lion”. 

When we think through Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he observed people solely for their temporal living upon the earth. If there is no eternal life, then the existence of a living “dog” does surpass the non-living “lion”. But there is eternal life, and people go on living after death. God knows we will live forever, and He wants us to live with Him in Heaven. Access to Him is gained when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us so we are never without “hope” and live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Next time Solomon says, “the living know that they shall die”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".