Ecclesiastes 8.2-4
2I say,
“Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God.
3Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.”
4Where the word of the king is, there is power,
And who may say to him, “What are you doing?”
The Story:Solomon returns to a more “objective” perspective. He is, after all, the king. His subjects all owe allegiance to him, “because of God’s oath” (Hebrew – whether God’s oath to the king about his rule, or the people’s oath to God of obedience is not clear). But because he is also Rehoboam’s father, it might be easy for his son to lose sight of who is talking with him. Solomon amassed an impressive record as King of Israel (1 Kgs. 10); he was no one to be trifled with. The king is to be revered, honored, and obeyed; they who contrive to go against his will can expect to know trouble. Did Rehoboam see his recalcitrance and flippancy as a form of rebellion? If not, he should have. Is there a hint in this verse that Solomon might anoint someone other than Rehoboam to succeed him? A veiled threat? It sounds at least like a suggestion. The message is clear: If you’re planning to flout the king’s will and take advantage of his largesse, things might not work out like you hope.
The Structure:Of course, in the larger, “under the heavens”, perspective, Solomon’s words are even more true – and menacing. Rebellious men need to know that their persistence in sinful ways is an affront to almighty God, the eternal King. Men might think they can ignore His will, reject His bidding, and pursue their own sinful ways with impunity. But the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress his Truth under lives of wickedness (Rom. 1.18ff.). Sometimes our witness needs to include the warning that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10.31).
Our generation is no more willing to heed such a warning than Rehoboam was. But does this mean we must not give it? Why or why not?
Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “In Your Face: Ecclesiastes 8,” simply click here.
T. M. Moore
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
