Ecclesiastes 9:11

“I returned, and saw under the sun, etc.] The wise man returned to his former subject, concerning the same events happening to all sorts of persons, righteous and wicked, wise and unwise, (<211001>Ecclesiastes 10:1,2); and enlarged upon it in his mind; and took notice of various things done under the sun, and made the following remarks: and whereas he had exhorted men to use all their might in doing the duties of their calling while they lived here; he suggests, that they should not depend upon, and promise themselves, anything from their own strength and wisdom; but have a regard to the providence of God, that superintends all affairs, and gives or withholds success as he pleases; since it…”

“This verse qualifies the sentiment, Ecc 9:7-9. Earthly "enjoyments," however lawful in their place (Ecc 3:1), are to give way when any work to be done for God requires it. Reverting to the sentiment (Ecc 8:17), we ought, therefore, not only to work God's work "with might" (Ecc 9:10), but also with the feeling that the event is wholly "in God's hand" (Ecc 9:1). race . . . not to the swift-- (Sa2 18:23); spiritually (Zep 3:19; Rom 9:16). nor . . . battle to . . . strong-- (Sa1 17:47; Ch2 14:9, Ch2 14:11, Ch2 14:15; Psa 33:16). bread--livelihood. favour--of the great. chance--seemingly, really Providence. But as man cannot "find it out" (Ecc 3:11), he needs "with all might" to use…”

“Read these six verses connectedly, in order to arrive at the meaning of the writer; and compare Ecclesiastes 2:1-12. After the description Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 of the portionless condition of the dead, the next thought which occurs is that the man who is prosperous and active should simply enjoy his portion all through this life Ecclesiastes 9:7-10; and then Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 follows the correcting thought (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 note), introduced as usual Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 4:1, Ecclesiastes 4:7 by “I returned,” namely, that the course of events is disposed and regulated by another will than that of man. The person addressed is one whose life of labor is already pleasing to…”

“But time - There are times or seasons, casual to men, but known by God, in which alone he will give men success. Ecclesiastes 9:12”

“9:11 decided by chance: We cannot control the outcome (cp. 7:13).”

“returned: Ecc 2:12, Ecc 4:1, Ecc 4:4; Mal 3:18 that the race: Sa1 17:50; Sa2 2:18-23, Sa2 17:14, Sa2 17:23; Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17, Psa 73:6, Psa 73:7, Psa 147:10, Psa 147:11; Jer 9:23, Jer 46:6; Amo 2:14-16 but: Ecc 2:14, Ecc 2:15, Ecc 3:14, Ecc 3:17, Ecc 7:13; Sa1 2:3-10; Job 5:11-14, Job 34:29; Pro 21:30, Pro 21:31; Lam 3:37, Lam 3:38; Dan 4:35; Eph 1:11 Ecclesiastes 9:12”

“"Further, I came to see under the sun, that the race belongs not to the swift, and the war not to the heroes, and also not bread to the wise man, and not riches to the prudent, and not favour to men of knowledge; for time and chance happeneth to them all." The nearest preceding רא, to which this ורב ורא suitably connects itself, is at Ecc 8:17. Instead of redii et videndo quidem = rursus vidi (cf. Ecc 8:9 and under Ecc 9:1), we had at Ecc 4:1 the simpler expression, redii et vidi. The five times repeated ל is that of property, of that, viz., by virtue of which one is master of that which is named, has power over it, disposes of it freely. The race belongs not to the swift (מרוץ, masc. to…”