-
-
Contact me:
-
ehurst@radixfidem.blog
Categories
Category Archives: bible
Ecclesiastes 12
Continuing where the previous chapter left off, Solomon reasserts the warning to his younger employees that they accountable first and foremost to their Creator. If you wait until you are older, the youthful habits of folly will blind you to … Continue reading
Posted in bible
Tagged government, human wisdom, mysticism, peace, poetic imagery, scripture
Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 12
Ecclesiastes 11
Human wisdom works best when properly informed by revelation. Solomon proposes some lessons not obvious to human reasoning, but obviously useful when examined. It’s difficult to say whether Solomon suggests in this first verse that we should be charitable or … Continue reading
Ecclesiastes 10
This chapter begins with Solomon restating the end of the previous chapter. We could as easily say one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel. A lot of work and investment can be blown away by one idiot who slipped through … Continue reading
Posted in bible
Tagged ancient near east, human wisdom, intellect, philosophy, scripture, solomon
Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 10
Old Testament and Afterlife
There are a vast number of differing viewpoints; mine is just one more. Please note, a huge portion of scholarship is hostile. That is, the scholar goes into the question assuming the worst and isn’t surprised to find evidence supporting … Continue reading
Posted in bible
Tagged history, intellectual organization, mysticism, mythology, old testament, peace, peace with god, scripture, theology
3 Comments
Ecclesiastes 9
Most translations get this first verse wrong because the translators come at it with Western assumptions. Thus, you’ll find a lot of “implied” verbiage added that misses the point: The most important possession any man could ever have on this … Continue reading
Posted in bible
Tagged clear conscience, eastern cultures, human perceptions, human wisdom, mysticism, peace
Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 9
Ecclesiastes 8
The Hebrew language did not lend itself easily to blunt or direct literal statements. Good Hebrew was loaded with imagery and parabolic expressions. Here, Solomon paints a scene of serving in his courts. Who wants to be a wise servant … Continue reading
Posted in bible
Tagged divine revelation, intellect, law, moral intelligence, philosophy, scripture, wise servant
Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 8
Ecclesiastes 7
In Hebrew culture, the ultimate symbol of manhood was the shepherd. It was a lonely work and required a quiet and watchful temperament. You learned not to expect much from sheep. While there is a place for the artistic exploration … Continue reading
Posted in bible
Tagged government, intellect, mysticism, philosophy, scripture
Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 7
Ecclesiastes 6
Solomon warns others that his position as the wealthiest man in the history of Israel is not enviable. Solomon had surely run across a great many people to whom God had granted great material wealth, but no ability to enjoy … Continue reading
Posted in bible
Tagged fighting god, human wisdom, intellect, material blessings, material wealth, moral fabric, mysticism, scripture, spirituality
Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 6
Ecclesiastes 5
Solomon begins here to confront directly the folly of attachment to this realm of existence. Only a fool takes this world’s concerns too seriously. If you think of God as a Western king, you’ll never understand the Bible. He portrays … Continue reading
Ecclesiastes 4
Solomon continues his theme that human wisdom without revelation is confusion and madness. He next points out that, as bad as life is without the Word of God, it can only get worse when you consider how humans interact, or … Continue reading