The Last Word of Life
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB
Conclusion – The penultimate verse of Ecclesiastes is a statement of the final rational, moral and ethical purpose of life. Notice that it applies to every person, not just to those who claim to follow YHWH. The perspective of Qohelet, the Teacher, is that this summary covers everyone on earth in every age and every circumstance. Why? Because this answer is woven into the very fabric of being alive. There is, in the end, only one real objective in life. It is not personal salvation. It is not getting to heaven. It isn’t even redeeming the earth. It is to fear God and do what He says.
Why is this the final answer? Because life doesn’t provide certainty for any of our nobler hopes. In other words, human history, both intellectual and experiential, is not a reverie. It’s a nightmare. It is dominated by a sense of ugly futility where the best efforts of men cannot overcome the daunting forces of evil, apathy or ignorance. Brute force wins far too often, submerging Man’s greater aspirations in the mire of power and greed. Even Man’s search for Truth is a curse laden with personal agendas, cultural bias and delusion. As Heschel says, “We spend a lifetime looking for the key, and when we find it, we discover we do not know where the lock is.”[1] Heschel notes that all moral action is ultimately frustrated by the possibility that our efforts to discover meaning may be absurd and useless. The human perspective is too narrow, too temporally fixed, too self-serving to actually grasp what it means “to be.” In the end, we might not know what we are doing is actually good for us or anyone else.
Therefore, the only real way to conquer the limitations of the human frame is to rely on God’s discernment of moral values. Life offers no guarantees that what we do today may not turn out to be destructive or pointless tomorrow. Only God can know which actions contribute to the Good and which do not. Since the final arbiter of moral distinction must be God alone, “the supreme response” of man must be obedience.
It’s really straightforward. We can act according to our own best estimates of moral behavior, fighting the constant appeal of selfish motives even within noble acts, hoping that our decisions ultimately contribute to our well-being and the well-being of the world, without certainty that they actually will – or – we can obey God. We can simply do what He says to do and put aside the incessant quest to understanding how it all “fits.” But we can’t do both. We can’t pretend that we will serve Him and walk according to His instructions and at the same time reserve our right to question His commands because we don’t approve or understand them.
The man who truly recognizes that he is not God will seek to obey God. The man who thinks his own reason is still the arbiter of truth will obey when it seems reasonable.
Topical Index: obedience, conclusion, Ecclesiastes 12:13
Skip,
Great post. But I struggled with the conclusion that questioning the command is inherently wrong. The notion that one can simply “obey” seems a bit naive or simplistic. Isn’t “understanding” a virtue? [Proverbs 4]
I’m having a hard time defining the line between “questioning” G-d and seeking to understand (why he commands a certain thing). Trust and obey sounds straight-forward, but something in me wants to know “why”, to question the command not out of defiance, but to understand.
I realize that questioning is how the enemy leads us astray: “Hath G-d said….?”
But when I am contemplating the principal or purpose behind the command, must I not necessarily ask questions and put the command in context. Do I honor my father and mother…period. Or do I honor G-d above all and hate them if they demand what is contrary to the law? Until I “understood” the command, I couldn’t understand the context of hating my father & mother.
I am comfortable not needing a reason to obey; so what is it in me that is always trying to discover the reason(s) anyway?
Ken
The rabbis may provide an answer. When our questioning is based entirely on the desire to serve the Lord, then the questions are “in the service of heaven.” When our questions have a different motive, a justification for what we want to do or a doubt of God’s goodness, then the process does not serve heaven. Perhaps this distinction helps. I do believe God wants dialogue, in fact even debate, but not with the motive of justifying personal agendas or demanding God explain Himself (a la Job).
Poor Solomon. I pity the man. The man who had it all-yet, in the end had nothing. Had the world by the tail, but then realized what was at the other end of the tail!
Here is an answer for us, dear friends..- it is “Christ.” And not only is it Christ- it is Christ alone. You see, (or maybe you don’t see) “a greater than Solomon is here.” Greater than Solomon? oh yes! greater than Moses? -absolutely. Greater than David?- the sweet singer/shepherd of Israel? -positively.
Not the wisdom of Solomon, the man who accumulated everything- (you know the drill- get all you can, can all you get, sit on the lid and poison the rest..), but the Man (son of man and son of G-d) who gave it all away- so that others might live. The Man who loved us enough to willingly lay down his life, the ONE who gave His life’s blood and life’s last gasping breath for you and for me- “a greater than Solomon is here.”
Mr. Heshel, (and others..) I would like for you to recognize and realize something else in this, and that would be “a greater than Solomon IS here.” (not was!) – for you see (hopefully) the Man I am referring to is no longer dead. Solomon is not here any longer. His time, his reign is over. His little kingdom plans and purposes are no longer-even though his agenda of accumulation still exists among many of earth’s inhabitants today- only we now might say- “he who dies with the most toys, wins”.
Friends, whether with toys or without- the one who accumulates- is a loser. Our mission in life is to give away (as good stewards) everything, for it is “more blessed to give, than to receive.” We need to come around to the giving end,for we have received abundantly – all things that pertain unto life and godliness.
Compare my life with Solomon. The conclusion of the matter for me? “Fear G-d and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.” But Mr. Heshel, (and others) why can we not say along with our Model and Master and Teacher who now resides and abides within every blood-bought believer- “I (too) delight to do your will?” So my question, this beautiful Sabbath morning is this- This “obedience” (which is critical to life itself)- “read and follow label directions”- is it a drudgery, a duty, or because of the indwelling Christ in each of us- now (today) a delight? Do we now, because of our new position, our adoption into His forever family, because we may now say it, know it, show it- G-d is our Father, our ABBA, we may now gladly, freely, wholly proclaim to any who have “ears to hear”- “I delight to do your will- my Father?”
What happens dear friends- when we obey G-d? and Who lived a life of perfect obedience? was it Solomon? I pity the man. He started well- didn’t he, but in the “end of days” he too, was one of the sheep who went astray. Solomon succumbed to distraction. (Remember the parable of the Sower, the soil and the seed?) Let his life serve as a warning (an admonition) for us. Solomon sowed for himself. His eyes were turned inward instead of upward.
What’s it gonna be then? Who shall we worship today? Self or the Savior? Jesus, then others, then you- what a wonderful way to spell J-O-Y. Amen.
“A greater than Solomon Is here.” -What is His Name? Peter wanted to build three “booths” or memorials- remember? One for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for the carpenter’s son. Peter, you just don’t seem to understand- “a greater than Solomon is (now) here..” and dear friends, -“greater is He who is (now) in you- than he who is in the world”- how much greater? One day, we might wake up, and realize and recognize just who this “son of man” is. May it be revealed today- in each of our lives- “the LORD- He is G-d.” “Behold, (take a good look!) A greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11.31) Amein.
Skip, thank you!
You have provided me with what I think has been the most critical element missing in my own understanding between the two world views (Hebraic vs. Greek). A multitude of scriptures from both the Old Covenant writings, as well as the New, are coming together like never before, including this same verse that I have often quoted before!
One of the key points in my general teaching is that the ‘observant’ Jews spend their time figuring out how to please God, while the ‘religious’ Gentiles spend their time figuring out God. Jews want to know what God expects from of them (service, obedience), while Gentiles want to know what they can expect out of God (blessings, rewards). In other words, either mankind exists for the purposes of God, or God exists for the benefit of mankind.
If one seeks after the face of God and obedience to His commands, he/she may or may not reap abundant earthly blessings and rewards, but a place in the “world to come” is assured. This requires great faith, as demonstrated by the heroes of the Bible attested through their lives – and many by their manner of death!
The insights you shared in your post will figure prominently in my on-going study of Matthew 5-7.
We spent so many wasted years trying to teach people the importance of obedience. Obedience to what? Church doctrine of course!
No wonder so many people think that if they are good people (according to whatever is good in their own eyes) they will be fine.
But obedience to YHVH’s commandments were taught to me as an abomination. Putting Christ back on the cross. The unpardonable sin. I was terrified to “Go Back” to the OOOOOOOOOLD testament. It took years for me to even begin to foster the idea.
This verse along with all the verses in Revelation concerning the blessing and wisdom of the saints that have the testimony of Yeshua and keep the commandments of Elohim was key in may declaring war on that spiritual terror that we all have been taught to one degree or another.
1 Jn.4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Shabbat Shalom
Qohelet, the Teacher, concluded with his limited kith and ken- this is the whole duty of man. Solomon lived B.C. (before Christ). All of his known world existed before Christ the Annointed was born. G-d, during the rule of Solomon, had not yet become incarnated into human flesh. Yeshua, the son of man, had not yet passed through the portals of the virgin’s womb. Solomon was limited in his knowledge of YHWH.
We live A.D. We, who are alive today are blessed to recognize and realize- G-d became one of us. He through incredible condescension and humility unknown The Creator became as one of His creatures, -a man. A man just like you and just like me, with one exception. This man was born of a virgin. (no virgin birth- no sinless Savior). This was Mary’s son- not Joseph’s. (thank you Joseph for bearing incredible shame for love’s sake and for your obedience to G-d in rearing this Child to manhood.)
Yeshua was virgin-born. Why? (it’s okay to ask why- G-d can handle anything we want to discuss or debate with Him!). Do you reject your own children when they ask- “why daddy?”- or do we neglect this wonderful opportunity and say “go ask your mother!” No, I believe G-d is more than willing and more than able to teach those who will humble themselves as a little child and pray. “Ask and you will receive and this includes answers.” More than once, Yeshua himself helped to guide the questioner into asking the “right” question! lol!- to get the “right” answers- we have to ask the “right” questions!
A silly example, but we may never find out the capitol of Montana by asking “how much is two plus two!”
Let all things be done decently and in order. Do you see anything “out of order” with this: “hath G-d said?” I do. It should read “G-d hath said..” for indeed- He has! Just one word removed from it’s proper place and “twisted” ever so slightly and cunningly. When hasatan asked our (not so) grandparents – “hath G-d said?” should not this be the “right response?” Yes, Mr. Twister,- G-d hath said!! As a matter of fact (just the facts, m’am!) He did say!- “Don’t eat the fruit!” – thank you for reminding me! (the devil is a dummy! -lol!)
Fear G-d and keep His commandments. And where are these commandments to be found? In a book. G-d gave unto Moses ten commandments. When G-d speaks, sister Pam, his words are forever. G-d has never issued a retraction nor needs an eraser on his pencil!- for whatever He says and whatever He does- is perfect and endures forever! – I wish I could say this of myself, but alas!-I have “erred” on more than one occasion!- and ended up with foot-in-mouth disease or eating the marvelous taste of “humble pie!”
Forgive me for this outburst, and I know our Bible is a sword, -not a club- but some people, such as those from your former ‘church’- saying the O.T. does not apply any more and has been done away with in Christ is not only ludicrous it is downright blasphemous and I’d like to knot someone’s head (in a loving way, of course!) for saying so. Calm down Carl!- “thou shalt not kill!’- lol! No..- forgiveness is our weapon here! Find it within your heart sister Pam to pity the man- the judgment of YHWH is due him/them and “woe!” (not a happy word) is applicable in this heartbreaking situation..
Christ “added” the 11th commandment! He said, “I’m giving you a new commandment: “Love each other in the same way that I have loved you.” (John 13.34) – and how did “this Man” demonstrate His love toward us? -He loved me with a cross. Love, (true love) demands a sacrifice. Love hurts, and love costs- but love also has its own rewards.
Now, (after the death and resurrection of our Messiah) “the end of the commandment” (sound familiar?) is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: (1 Timothy 1.5) And Who makes all of this possible?
This of course I see:
The wise man sees ahead,
the fool walks in the dark.
Eccl 2:14
No doubt! But I know too that one fate awaits them both (fool and wiseman).
Of what use my wisdom then?
All is vanity and chasing of the wind.
2:18
“Empty, empty- all is emptiness” – these were the words of the man who had it all! What shall it profit a man (ask Solomon) if he gain the whole world, and (yet) lose his own soul? Solomon had it goin’ on- in spades. Everything a man could hope for- position (he was king!) power (he was numbero uno!) prestige (the queen of Sheba seemed impressed!)- possessions- (this man had all the toys) pleasure- (how many females were in his harem?)- this guy lacked for nothing. He had all the wisdom this world had to offer and yet.. poor fella’ was runnin’ on empty! Living in a palace and eating at a table laden with the good stuff- and yet..- “empty.” He and Peggy Lee could write a song together..- “Is that all there is?”
Wonderful question Peggy Lee!- Is it true? Her solution? (similar to many others..)- “let’s break out the booze and have a ball!” But alcohol (liquid stupid) takes its toll and leads to burnout, an early grave and a multitude of family problems..
Solomon,-G-d gave you so much!- “And what did you do with what I gave you? I wonder if he knew- we are not “owners” we are stewards.. What we “possess” is only loaned to us for a short while.. And Solomon- all those women!- you don’t listen to instructions very well – do you? This is a “wise” man? -I dunno.. He didn’t do to well toward the end. Started out with a bang, but fizzled before the finish..
Qohelet, the Teacher- I’ve learned something from your life. – “A man’s life does not consist the abundance of things he possesses” -Luke 12.15- (tho’ we still are accumulaters!- can’ wait for the Iphone 6!), nor in position,power or pleasure. Maybe the word of G-d might have an answer for us Michael..-“What do the scriptures say?”
“I AM come that you might have life- and have it abundantly” – (John 10.10) Who is this to make such a claim? “Behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11.31) and Who might that be? What is His Name? -Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Good question. Yes, – He is, but is He who He claimed to be? Yes, He is. Is He the LORD of lords? Is He the King of kings?- (including Solomon?) -Rest assured, -He is. Is He the Lamb of G-d who takes away the sins of the world (including my own?) -Yes. He is the ONE.
Okay, look, eager to learn. Open to change, possibility etc. But I don’t read or speak Hebrew. And now I find when i open my Bible, which already had some impenetrable characteristics, I cannot even trust that what I’m reading is accurate. I’m of average intelligence, this is an honest cry for help. I am now somewhat alienated from Scripture in English. Help? Anyone?
Aaron, kinda lol for me – lots of us are in somewhat of the same boat as you – my suggestion would be to (at this point) just stick around & learn… 🙂
jan
Aaron, for some encouragement, I do not even know what ” impenetrable” means! Many of us first have to get a dictionary just to understand the English!
If you have internet access, try blueletterblible.com. If you have the means(money) get an Interlinear Bible, The complete wordstudy dictionary old and new testament( also available on computer program) to begin with. It really helped me a lot.
Otherwise pray and ask YHWH to reveal His truth. He says He will give you the desire of your heart. And havi
I once met a man, who was totally Torah
I once met a man, who was totally Torah observant. Someone gave him a Bible and he just read and did what he read – no influence from outside theologies or doctrines – and that showed me what YHWH can do, if I search for Him with a pure heart. Also remember Abraham, who talked to God directly. Those who draw near to God, He will draw near to. And I praise YHWH for faithfull and obedient people like Skip, and the other readers who help showing me how to row backwards in this journey on the river of life.