Ecclesiastes 9:8

“Let thy garments be always white, etc.] That is, neat and clean, not vile and sordid; what is comely and decent, and suitable to a man’s circumstances; this colour is particularly mentioned because much used in the eastern countries, and in Judea; hence we so often read of washing garments, and of fullers that whitened them; and especially on festival days and days of rejoicing, to which Horacef221 refers; and here it signifies that every day should be like a festival or day of rejoicing to a good man, to whom God has given the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, (<236103>Isaiah 61:3); and though there may be times for mourning, and so of putting on other apparel, yet, in common…”

“white--in token of joy (Isa 61:3). Solomon was clad in white (JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 8:7,3); hence his attire is compared to the "lilies" (Mat 6:29), typical of the spotless righteousness of Jesus Christ, which the redeemed shall wear (Rev 3:18; Rev 7:14). ointment-- (Psa 23:5), opposed to a gloomy exterior (Sa2 14:2; Psa 45:7; Mat 6:17); typical, also (Ecc 7:1; Sol 1:3).”

“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…”

“White - The eastern people of the best sort, used white garments, especially in times of rejoicing. Ointment - Which upon joyful occasions was poured upon mens heads. Ecclesiastes 9:9”

“thy garments: Sa2 19:24; Est 8:15; Rev 3:4, Rev 3:5, Rev 7:9, Rev 7:13, Rev 7:14, Rev 16:15, Rev 19:8, Rev 19:14 let thy head: Rut 3:3; Sa2 14:2; Dan 10:3; Amo 6:6; Mat 6:17; Luk 7:46 Ecclesiastes 9:9”