Greater than All Before Me - Ecclesiastes 2:9

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I got me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts”, and in chapter two and verse nine of his book Solomon said, “I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem”, where we read,

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: 

also my wisdom remained with me.

The verse reads, “So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem:” Solomon began with the words, “so I was great”  or “wherefore, therefore, then and on this account I, Solomon, existed as important, promoted, powerful and magnified”, “and increased more” which means “and grew to an even greater decree” “than all that were before me” or “compared to each, every, the whole one everyone who existed prior and in advanced to me, Solomon” “in Jerusalem” which means “within Jerusalem whose name means teaching of peace and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”. Solomon concluded that he was promoted, powerful and important, and he grew to an even greater degree than anyone else who existed prior to him within the city of Jerusalem.

The verse goes on to say, “also my wisdom remained with me.” Daniel continued with the words, “also my wisdom” or “even so and indeed my, Solomon’s, skill, prudence and understanding” “remained with me” which means “stayed, tarried, abided, persisted and continued alongside of me, Solomon”. Solomon shared how his skill, prudence and understanding continued alongside of him even when he became “great” and “increased more” than any other. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon concluded that he was powerful and important, and he grew to an even greater measure beyond anyone who preceded him in the city of Jerusalem. This was because he accumulated so much, and sometimes wealth causes people to become important and believe themselves to be better and greater than others. God is no respecter of persons, (See Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34) and everyone, regardless of what they do or do not possess, is invited to receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as their “Savior and Lord”. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to show us our value is in our relationship with Him and not within the temporary possessions available in the world.

Next time Solomon says, “whatsoever my eyes desired I kept not from them”, 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".