Considering Oppressions - Ecclesiastes 4:1

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works: for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?”, and in chapter four and verse one of his book Solomon  said, “I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun”, where we read,

So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun:

And behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of the oppressors there was power: but they had no comforter.

The verse reads, “So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun:” Solomon began with the words, “so I returned” or “therefore, wherefore and on this account I, Solomon, went and turned back”, “and considered” which means “and looked at, inspected, perceived and regarded” “all the oppressions” or “each, every and the whole of the extortions, maltreatments, persecutions and abuses” “that are done under the sun” which means “that are fashioned, accomplished, made and produced beneath the sun in the sky”. Solomon shared how he went back and regarded everyone of the persecutions and abuses that are fashioned, accomplished and produced beneath the sun in the sky. 

The verse goes on to say, “And behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter.” Daniel continued with the words, “and behold” or “and lo, look and consider” “the tears of such as were oppressed” which means “the weeping pertaining to people who existed as extorted, maltreated, abused and downtrodden”, “and they had no comforter” or “and they, those who were oppressed, did not have anyone to console, have compassion upon and be moved with pity toward them”. Solomon called upon those reading his words to consider the weeping of the people who are maltreated and downtrodden because they were without anyone to console or have compassion upon them. 

Finally the verse says, “and on the side of the oppressors there was power: but they had no comforter.” Solomon concluded this verse with the words, “and on the side of the oppressors” which means “and accompanying the people who extorted, maltreated, abused, persecuted and tread down others” “there was power” or “there existed great strength, might and vigor”: “but they had no comforter” which means “however, notwithstanding, nevertheless and moreover they, the victims, did not have anyone to console, have compassion upon or pity them”. Solomon ended this verse by referring to how the “oppressors” possessed great might and strength, however, their victims had no one to be compassionate to them, have pity upon them or to console them.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon returned to consider the extortions and maltreatments done unto people beneath the sun, and he noticed how the people who were maligned had no one to be compassionate or to have pity upon them. Those who abused them were mighty and powerful, but their victims had no comforter. God knows there are spiritual entities and powers who determine to keep us from a personal relationship with Him, and because He is greater than all of them, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. He raised Him from the dead after three days, and when we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will comfort, pity, counsel and abide with us regardless of the physical or spiritual entities who rise against us.

Next time Solomon says, “I praise the dead … more than the living”, 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".

Nothing Better than Rejoicing in Works - Ecclesiastes 3:22

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon asked, “Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, And the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?”, and in chapter three and verse twenty-two of his book Solomon said, “there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works”, where we read,

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works: for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

The verse reads, “Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works:” Solomon began with the words, “wherefore I perceive” or “therefore, then and for this reason I, Solomon, consider, inspect and behold” “that there is nothing better” which means “that there exists not anything more agreeable, pleasant, precious and excellent”, “than that a man should rejoice” or “than that a person ought to be glad, exult and make merry” “in his own works” which means “within his, the person’s, own personal acts, deeds, undertakings and pursuits”. Solomon understood that not one things exists that exceeds a person being gladdened and made merry by their own acts and deeds. 

The verse goes on to say, “for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?” Daniel continued with the words, “for that his portion” or “because, since and on account that, rejoicing in his own works, exists as his, the person’s, share, part and territory”: “for who shall bring him to see” which means “because, since and on account that what person will cause him, the person to behold, inspect and consider” “what shall be after him” or “that which will exist following him, the person”? Solomon said “rejoicing in his own works” exists as a person’s share, and he asked what person would cause them to behold that which will follow them. 

When we meditate upon Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he concluded that not one thing exceeds a person being made glad and merry by their own acts and deeds, and he declared that to be their share as he questioned what person would be able to behold that which shall follow them. We must remember that Solomon was considering life on the earth only, and his view is limited to only what he beholds in this life. God knows everything that has happened, is happening and will happen in the temporary and eternal lives of people. God wants us to live with Him forever, and because sin has separated us from a personal relationship with Him, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for us through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit to guide us into His truth and empower us to live in keeping with His truth for all eternity. 

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Solomon say, “I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun”, 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".

Who Knows the Spirit of Man? - Ecclesiastes 3:21

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “All go unto one place: All are of the dust, and all turn to dust again”, and in chapter three and verse twenty-one of his book Solomon  said, “who knows the spirit of man that goes upward”, where we read,

Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward,

And the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?

The verse reads, “Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, …” Solomon began with the words, “who knows” or “what person perceives, discerns, discriminates and recognizes” “the spirit of man” which means “the mind, soul and vigor belonging to human beings” “that goes upward” or “that ascends, springs up and shoots forth”. Solomon questioned what person is aware and recognizes the soul and mind of a person that ascends.  

The verse continues, “… and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?” Daniel added the words, “and the spirit” or “and the soul, mind and vigor” “of the beast” which means “belonging to the cattle, livestock or animal” “that goes downward” or “that descends beneath” “to the earth” which means “toward the land, ground or soil”? Solomon also question what person recognizes the soul and mind belonging to an animal that descends toward the soil beneath. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon questioned “who” is aware of the soul, mind and will of a person that ascends and the soul, mind and will of an animal that descends toward the soil. The answer to his question is “God knows”, and because God wants to live with us forever in Heaven, He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us who will lead and guide us into His truth until we ascend to be with Him in Heaven forever.

Next time Solomon says, “there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works”, 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".

 

All Go to One Place - Ecclesiastes 3:20

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, That God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. For that which befalls the sons of men befalls beasts; even one thing befalls them: As the one dies, so dies the other; yes, they have all one breath; so that a man has no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity”, and in chapter three and verse twenty of his book Solomon  said, “all go unto one place”, where we read,

All go unto one place:

All are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

The verse reads, “All go unto one place:” Solomon began with the words, “all go” or “each, every and the whole lot depart, proceed, walk and move” “unto one place” which means “toward a single locality, spot and location”. Solomon said everyone proceeds toward a particular location. 

The verse goes on to say, “All are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.” Daniel continued with the words, “all are of the dust” or “each, every and the whole lot exist pertaining to dry earth, powder, rubbish or loose debris”, “and all turn to dust again” which means “and each, every and the whole lot return and go back to powder, rubbish or loose debris yet another time”. Solomon said everyone exists from powdery debris, and everyone will return to the powdery debris yet another time.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover how Solomon was a sort of fatalist as he considered the “flesh” of all people and animals. Indeed we were made by God from the “dust” of the earth, and our bodies shall return to the dust from which we were made. (See Genesis 2:7; 3:19) However, we were also made with living souls, and our souls have become separated from a personal intimate relationship with God by sin. (See Romans 3:10,23) Those sins lead to death, (See Romans 6:23) and when God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and belief in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and cleanse us from all unrighteousness in keeping with His Divine purpose and will.

Next time Solomon asks, “who knows the spirit of man that goes upward”, 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".

What Befalls Men Befalls Beasts - Ecclesiastes 3:19

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, That God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts”, and in chapter three and verse nineteen of his book Solomon said, “what befalls the sons of men befalls beasts”, where we read,

For that which befalls the sons of men befalls beasts; even one thing befalls them:

As the one dies, so dies the other; yes, they have all one breath; so that a man has no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

The verse reads, “For that which befalls the sons of men befalls beasts; even one thing befalls them:” Solomon began with the words, “for that which befalls” or “because, since and on account that what happens and occurs with” “the sons of men” which means “the offspring and progeny belonging to human beings” “befalls beasts” or “happens and occurs with cattle, livestock and animals”: “even one thing befalls them” which means “indeed and also a particular and certain event and occasion happens and occurs with both men and beasts”. Solomon shared how people and animals experience a particular happening equal and alike. 

The verse continues, “As the one dies, so dies the other; yes, they have all one breath; so that a man has no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.” Daniel added the words, “as the one dies” or “in the same manner that a particular and certain man or beast is ruined, suffers death and expires”, “so dies the other” which means “even in the same manner is the other man or beast is ruined, suffers death and becomes expired”; “yes, they have all one breath” or “even so and indeed, they, both the man and beast, each, every and the whole possess a single breath of air, spirit or vigor”; “so that a man has no preeminence” which means “which causes a human being not to have any profit, abundance or superiority” “above a beast” or “over and beyond cattle, livestock or animals”; “for all is vanity” which means “because, since and on account that each, every and the whole of them exist as vapor, breath and transitory dissatisfaction”. Solomon referred to how both animals and people “die” and have a single “breath of air” which demonstrates the lack of profit or superiority of a person over an animal, and he said every part of this is empty and as grasping the wind.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon compared the lives of people to animals that live on the earth. He said “death” happens to both of them, and they breathe the same air so that neither has a distinct advantage over the other. He called every part of  this “vanity” or emptiness, however, He did not have an eternal perspective. God made people so they could live forever with Him, but man sinned against God, and in that day, death entered into the world. (See Genesis 3:3.17-19; Romans 5:12) Sin separates us from a personal relationship with God, and for this reason God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When God raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through belief and trust in Him for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit which makes us different than every beast, animal and livestock in the world. 

Next time Solomon says, “all go to one place”, 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".

The Estate of the Sons of Men - Ecclesiastes 3:18

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: For there is a time there for every purpose and every work”, and in chapter three and verse eighteen of his book Solomon  shared, “concerning the estate of the sons of men”, where we read,

I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men,

That God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

The verse reads, “I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, …” Solomon began with the words, “I said in my heart” or “I, Solomon, uttered, declared and proclaimed within my soul, mind and will” “concerning the estate” which means “according to and about the cause, manner and reason” “of the sons of men” or “pertaining to the male offspring and progeny belonging to people both male and female”. Solomon shared how he spoke to his own soul and mind about the cause and manner pertaining to the male offspring of people. 

The verse goes on to say, “… that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.” Daniel added the words, “that God might manifest them” or “so the Supreme Deity could purify, select, polish, purge and cleanse people”, “and that they might see” which means “and so they, the people, could inspect, perceive, consider and have visions” “that they themselves are beasts” or “that they, the people, their own selves exist as cattle, livestock and animals”. Solomon said the Supreme Deity Jehovah God would reveal the “estate of the sons of men” so He could expose them and cause themselves to perceive that they are similar to cattle and animals. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he considered within his soul and mind the manner of the offspring of people, and he said the Supreme Deity would expose them so they may be able to perceive that they exist like animals. God knows our true state, and because we are all sinners, we need a “Savior”. For this reason God sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we believe and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so our ways are a blessing and pleasure to Him.

Next time Solomon says, “what befalls the sons of men befalls beasts”, 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".

God Shall Judge the Righteous and the Wicked - Ecclesiastes 3:17

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there”, and in chapter three and verse seventeen of his book Solomon said, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked”, where we read,

I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked:

For there is a time there for every purpose and every work.

The verse reads, “I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked:” Solomon began with the words, “I said in my heart” or “I, Solomon, uttered, declared and proclaimed within my, Solomon’s, soul, mind and will”, “God shall judge the righteous” which means “the Supreme Deity will govern over, vindicate and decide controversy over people who are just, right, lawful and correct” “and the wicked” or “and the people who are criminal, guilty of sin, evil and hostile to God”. Solomon spoke to his own soul and declared that the Supreme Deity will govern over and vindicate people who are just as well as those who are guilty of sin and hostile to Him. 

The verse continues, “For there is a time there for every purpose and every work.” Daniel added the words, “for there is a time there” or “because, since and on account that there exists a season and occasion” “for every purpose” which means “on behalf of each, the whole, all and everyone of the delights, pleasures and matters” “and every work” or “and each, all and the whole deeds, labors, business, undertakings, enterprises and pursuits”. Solomon declared there exists a particular season on behalf of each and all matters, pleasures, undertakings and pursuits. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon spoke to himself concerning the way Jehovah God will govern over both the people who are right and just as well as those who are evil and hostile to Him. He knows a season or occasion exists on behalf of all the matters and deeds performed by people. God oversees and will make judgments upon all the acts, deeds and words committed by us. (See Matthew 12:36-37; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15) God wants us to receive His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He was raised from the dead after three days so when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth so our deeds and words will bless the Lord and only have need to be judged for rewards.

Next time Solomon shares, “concerning the estate of the sons of men”, 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".