Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:14
14. An objection is here started (entertained by Solomon in his apostasy), as in Ecclesiastes 3:16; Ecclesiastes 7:15, to the truth of retributive justice, from the fact of the just and the wicked not now receiving always according to their respective deserts; a cavil, which would seem the more weighty to men living under the Mosaic covenant of temporal sanctions. The objector adds, as Solomon had said, that the worldling's pursuits are "vanity" (Ecclesiastes 7:15- :), "I say (not 'said') this... read more
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 8:13
13. neither shall he prolong—not a contradiction to Ecclesiastes 8:12. The "prolonging" of his days there is only seeming, not real. Taking into account his eternal existence, his present days, however seemingly long, are really short. God's delay (Ecclesiastes 8:12- :) exists only in man's short-sighted view. It gives scope to the sinner to repent, or else to fill up his full measure of guilt; and so, in either case, tends to the final vindication of God's ways. It gives exercise to the faith,... read more