Ecclesiastes Chapter 2

“I said in mine heart, etc.] He communed with his heart, he thought and reasoned within himself, and came to this resolution in his own mind; that since he could not find happiness in natural wisdom and knowledge, he would seek for it elsewhere, even in pleasure; in which, he observed, some men placed their happiness; or, however, sought for it there: or, “I said to my heart”, as the Syriac version; Go to now; or, “go, I pray thee”f46 listen to what I am about to say, and pursue the track I shall now point out to thee; I will prove thee with mirth; with those things which will cause mirth, joy, and pleasure; and…”

“(Ecc. 2:1-26) I said . . . heart-- (Luk 12:19). thee--my heart, I will test whether thou canst find that solid good in pleasure which was not in "worldly wisdom." But this also proves to be "vanity" (Isa 50:11).”

“Solomon’s trial of God’s second gift, namely, riches, and the enjoyment which riches supply; this brought him to the sane result (compare Ecclesiastes 1:12). Comparing Solomon’s action with Luke 12:16-21, it must be remembered that Solomon’s object was the acquisition of wisdom, not self-indulgence, and that he did not fail to look forward to the certainty of death overtaking him. return to 'Top of Page'”

“I said - Being disappointed of my hopes from knowledge, I resolved to try another course. Go to - O my soul! I will try whether I cannot make thee happy, by the enjoyment of sensual delights. Vanity - Is vain, and unable to make men happy. Ecclesiastes 2:2”

“2:1-11 The Teacher dismisses the pursuit of pleasure for its own sake as hollow. Even great achievements are a vapor.”

“said: Ecc 2:15, Ecc 1:16, Ecc 1:17, Ecc 3:17, Ecc 3:18; Psa 10:6, Psa 14:1, Psa 27:8, Psa 30:6, Psa 30:7; Luk 12:19 Go to: Gen 11:3, Gen 11:4, Gen 11:7; Kg2 5:5; Isa 5:5; Jam 4:13, Jam 5:1 I will: Ecc 8:15, Ecc 11:9; Isa 50:5, Isa 50:11; Luk 16:19, Luk 16:23; Jam 5:5; Tit 3:3; Rev 18:7, Rev 18:8 Ecclesiastes 2:2”

“"I have said in mine heart: Up then, I will prove thee with mirth, and enjoy thou the good! And, lo, this also is vain." Speaking in the heart is not here merely, as at Ecc 1:16-17, speaking to the heart, but the words are formed into a direct address of the heart. The Targ. and Midrash obliterate this by interpreting as if the word were אנסּנּה, "I will try it" ( Ecc 7:23). Jerome also, in rendering by vadam et affluam deliciis et fruar bonis, proceeds contrary to the usual reading of 'אן Niph. of נסך, vid., at Psa 2:6), as if this could mean, "I will pour over myself." It is an address of the heart, and ב is,…”