Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:4
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
I made me great works, etc.] He did not spend his time in trifling things, as Domitianf51, in catching and killing flies; but in devising, designing, directing, and superintending great works of art and skill, becoming the grandeur of his state, and the greatness of his mind: the Midrash restrains it to his great throne of ivory, overlaid with gold, (<111018>1 Kings 10:18), but it is a general expression, including all the great things he did, of which the following is a particular enumeration; I builded me houses; among which must not be reckoned the house of God, though that was built by him, and in the first place; yet this was built, not for his own pleasure and grandeur, but for the worship and glory of God: but his own house and palace is chiefly meant, which was thirteen years in building; and the house of the forest in Lebanon, which perhaps was his country seat; with all other houses and offices, for his stores, for his servants, his horsemen, and chariots; see (<110701>1 Kings 7:1,2 9:1,19); and in fine spacious buildings men take a great deal of pleasure, and promise themselves much happiness in dwelling in them, and in perpetuating their names to posterity by them; see (<194911>Psalm 49:11 <182121>Job 21:21). The Targum is, “I multiplied good works in Jerusalem; I builded me houses; the house of the sanctuary, to make atonement for Israel; the king’s house of refreshment, and the conclave and porch; and the house of judgment, of hewn stones, where the wise men sit and do judgment; I made a throne of ivory for the royal seat;” I planted me vineyards; perhaps those at Engedi were of his planting; however, he had one at Baalhamon, and no doubt in other places, (<220114>Song of Solomon 1:14 8:11); the Targum makes mention of one at Jabne, planted by him; these also add to the pleasure of human life; it is delightful to walk in them, to gather the fruit and drink of the wine of them; see (<220712>Song of Solomon 7:12).
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