Useful Bible Studies > Ecclesiastes Commentary > chapter 6

Who would argue against God?

Ecclesiastes 6:10-12

In Ecclesiastes 6:10, the author seems to ask: ‘Who is this? What kind of person would try to argue against God, who made him (Job 40:2)?’

Since the beginning, we have known the answer: this is ADAM. Adam, of course, was the name of the first man. In the language called Hebrew, it became a general word for all people. The word reminds us about the origin of man, whom God created from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7). And it reminds us about the weakness of all people, who at death must return to the earth (Genesis 3:19).

Although they are so weak, people constantly argue against God. They argue that his opinion about their lives is not correct. They argue that God should approve of them because of their efforts. But all their efforts in this world only show how weak they are. And all their arguments only prove how wrong they are.

With this thought, the author begins the second part of the Book of Ecclesiastes. He has said enough about the weakness of people’s efforts to please God by their own works. He has proved that riches, honour and a long life do not really satisfy anyone.

Now, he will try to answer the question at the beginning of Ecclesiastes 6:12. In this world, a person’s life is short and weak (Psalm 90). And nobody can control what will happen in the world after his death. So, what should people do during their lives? It is the author’s desire to show the proper way for people to live. He will try to answer his question by careful study of people’s behaviour in this world.

Next part: When the truth is unpleasant (Ecclesiastes 7:1-2)

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© 2019, Keith Simons.