Useful Bible Studies > Ecclesiastes Commentary > chapter 8

When we must wait for judgement

Ecclesiastes 8:5-6

In ancient Israel, the king was also the most important judge. He would use his great power to support anyone who obeyed the law. Even the poorest people could request his help.

That may seem a good arrangement, but there was a serious problem. The king was much too busy to speak to everyone who needed his help (2 Samuel 15:1-4). People had to wait for the opportunity to speak to him. Sometimes, they might have to wait for several years. They believed that the king desired to help them. But they could not be sure that they would ever have an opportunity to request his help.

To obtain help, the person had to speak to the king at the right time (2 Kings 8:3-6). And the person had to request help in the right manner. The king desired to help anyone who obeyed his law. But if a person did not ask at the right time, or in the right manner, that person received no help.

Even modern systems of law have similar problems. A person’s troubles may be very great, and he may deserve the judge’s support. But that person cannot be sure that the judge will help him. And even if he does, there may be a long delay.

Usually, we do not see the results of God’s judgements immediately. He too has chosen a proper time when he will act as judge (Ecclesiastes 3:17). He has made a proper time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

God has done this for a reason. He is not like a human ruler or judge who may disappoint us. God has arranged that everything should be beautiful at the right time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). And that includes his judgements; they are perfect.

Next part: Nobody can prevent his own death (Ecclesiastes 8:7-8)

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© 2019, Keith Simons.