Ecclesiastes 8:17

“Then I beheld all the work of God, etc.] Not of creation, but of Providence; took notice of it, contemplated on it, considered it, and weighed it well; viewed the various steps and methods of it, to find out, if possible, at least, some general rule by which it proceeded: but all so various and uncertain, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: he can find out that it is done, but not the reason why it is done: the ways of God are in the deep, and not to be traced; they are unsearchable and past finding out; there is a bayov, a depth of wisdom and knowledge, in them, inscrutable by the wisest of men, (<197219>Psalm 72:19 <451133>Romans 11:33); because, though a man…”

“These verses supplement Ecclesiastes 8:15 with the reflection that the man who goes beyond that limited sphere within which he can labor and be contented, and investigates the whole work of God, will find that his finite intelligence cannot grasp it. Ecclesiastes 8:16 Business - Or, “travail” Ecclesiastes 1:13; Ecclesiastes 3:10. The sleeplessness noted probably refers to the writer himself. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/ecclesiastes-8.html. 1870. StudyLight.org…”

“I beheld - I considered the counsels and ways of God, and the various methods of his providence, and the reasons of them. Find out - No man, though ever so wise, is able fully and perfectly to understand these things. And therefore it is best for man not to perplex himself with endless enquiries, but quietly to submit to God's will and providence, and to live in the fear of God, and the comfortable enjoyment of his blessing. Next: Ecclesiastes Chapter 9”

“that a man: Ecc 3:11, Ecc 7:23, Ecc 7:24, Ecc 11:5; Job 5:9, Job 11:7-9; Psa 40:5, Psa 73:16, Psa 104:24; Pro 30:3, Pro 30:4; Isa 40:28; Rom 11:33 Next: Ecclesiastes Chapter 9”