“"Under The Sun"”

Tuesday, September 01, 2020

                   A phrase found 29 times in the book of Ecclesiastes is “under the sun.” Solomon used four other synonymous terms in his book as well. These are “under heaven” (3x), “upon the earth” (1x), “see the sun” (1x), and “behold the sun” (1x) in this short book.

                   These terms help us to understand the focus and emphasis of the book. Solomon contrasts life “under the sun,” i.e., our earth-life when we look solely at the physical side of things, with the spiritual reality when we live life for God. Foy Wallace once said of this book that Solomon contrasted, “earthly vanity with eternal verity.” The point being that when we look at life as merely, “We’re born, we live, we die,” there is little reason to have hope.

                   Yet, when we look at life through the lens of spiritual truth and service to God (Ecc. 12:13), we see something far different. We have a reason to wake up every day! We have a reason to live and endure suffering at times. We have an endless hope awaiting us rather than a hopeless end!

                   How our world needs to hear this news today! There are multitudes today who see life only as, “We’re born, we live, we die.” Some people say they want to make this world (earth) a better place for their children. This is kind. Yet, they do not make any preparations for their souls and the eternity they will face (Ecc. 9:10-11, 12:13-14). What good is it if we have a clean earth and dirty souls? What do we profit if we gain the whole world and yet lose our souls (Matt. 16:26)?

                   Have you read Ecclesiastes in a while? Have you ever read it? Let these words be the motivation for you to read this book and see the great contrast that lies here. Solomon’s words in the book are not random statements. They have a context, purpose, and meaning (Rom. 15:4)! Let us get serious and get our priorities straight! Ultimately, this is what this book is about -- an older man, the “Preacher” (Koheleth, 1:1-2, 12, 7:27, 12:8-10), calling the generations of young people to him to instruct them on what is most important.

                   Don’t let Satan distract you with what happens “under the sun.” Listen to the Lord, and focus on those things that are beyond the sun (Col. 3:1-4).

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

Share