Ecclesiastes 1: 8 Commentary

1. There is always so much more work to do
a. It never tells us “that‘s enough”
2. Work is like the eye and ear which never say:
a. “I have seen ALL I ever want to see
b. And heard ALL I ever want to hear”
3. As there is always MORE we want to SEE
a. Like looking forward to seeing the grandchildren
b. Or the smile on your spouse‘s face
c. Or a new movie or DVD coming out
4. And always MORE we want to HEAR
a. Like the voices of loved ones
b. Or a new CD of your favorite singer
5. Likewise there is always MORE WORK to be done
a. But much of it is monotonous and boring
b. Yet it must be done again and again

By Tractorman (wrote 2592 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 8/29/2011 13:34 pm

The numberless repetitive cycles to be seen in human affairs and in the natural world give no evidence of coming to an end or to a state of rest. From the human perspective, anything that is repetitious, giving no promise of any letup, is “full of labor” or wearying. One would be at a loss for words when attempting to convey accurately the concept of countless repetitive cycles continuing for endless ages to come.

Although numberless visual impressions continually enter it, the eye is never satisfied, with the object of seeing having come to a pleasant culmination. Likewise, a barrage of various sounds, including human speech, enters the ear. The ear, however, is not filled, not having reached the state of being fully satisfied with the sum of all that has been heard. Because so much of what is seen and heard proves to be repetitious, humans experience a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction. There is a desire for seeing and hearing something truly different — new.

This passage presents matters from the standpoint of what appeared to be the case to the observer. The role of the brain is not included, as its function in seeing and hearing was not understood at the time the words were committed to writing.

By Hans Werner (wrote 6 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 6/11/2007 00:42 am