Ecclesiastes 8:3

“Be not hasty to go out of his sight, etc.] But of the sight of the King of kings. Do not think to hide thyself from him, for there is no fleeing from his presence, (<19D907>Psalm 139:7); it is best, when under some consternation, as the wordf194 signifies, or under some fearful apprehension of his wrath and indignation, to fall down before him, acknowledge the offence, and pray for pardon: and to this purpose is the Targum, “and in the time of the indignation of the Lord, do not cease to pray before him; being terrified (or troubled) before him, go and pray, and seek mercy of him;” and with which agrees the note of Jarchi, “be not troubled, saying that thou wilt go and free from his…”

“hasty--rather, "Be not terror-struck so as to go out of His sight." Slavishly "terror-struck" is characteristic of the sinner's feeling toward God; he vainly tries to flee out of His sight (Psa 139:7); opposed to the "shining face" of filial confidence (Ecc 8:1; Joh 8:33-36; Rom 8:2; Jo1 4:18). stand not--persist not. for he doeth--God inflicts what punishment He pleases on persisting sinners (Job 23:13; Psa 115:3). True of none save God.”

“Stand not ... - i. e., “Do not persist in rebellion.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“To go - In discontent, withdrawing thyself from the king's service or obedience. Stand not - if thou hast offended him, persist not in it. For - His power is uncontrollable. Ecclesiastes 8:5”

“8:3-4 Plotting against the king is futile because he has great power and can do whatever he wants.”

“not hasty: Ecc 10:4; Pro 14:29 stand: Kg1 1:50-52, Kg1 2:21-24; Isa 48:4; Jer 44:16, Jer 44:17; Act 5:8, Act 5:9 for: Pro 16:14, Pro 16:15, Pro 30:31; Dan 4:35, Dan 5:19 Ecclesiastes 8:4”

“The warning, corresponding to the exhortation, now follows: One must not thoughtlessly avoid the duty of service and homage due to the king: "Hasten not to go away from him: join not in an evil matter; for he executeth all that he desireth." Regarding the connection, of two verbs with one idea, lying before us in תּלך ... אל־, as e.g., at Zac 8:15; Hos 1:6, vid., Gesen. 142. 3b. Instead of this sentence, we might use אל־תבהל ללכת מפניו, as e.g., Aboth v. 8: "The wise man does not interrupt another, and hastens not to answer," i.e., is not too hasty in answering. As with עם, to be with the king, Ecc 4:15 = to hold with him, so here מפניו הלך means to take oneself away from him, or, as it is…”