Morning Devotion - Eccl 4

Read Ecclesiastes 4

In this chapter we have the first part of the book's middle cycle, which offers reflections on futility and work. The third and largest cycle will consider futility and wisdom. Today's reading takes us up to the point where we are ready to hear the most central passage of the entire book. In the next chapter extending to the first few verses of chapter 6, we consider the jewel at the center of the book (5:1-7) and the companion passage to today's verses leading us to that center (5:8-6:7).

In the passage leading up to the center we consider scarcity under the sun, and then human rulers and arrogance. In the passage leading us out of the center we have the companion passages coming in reverse order; first some verses on human rulers and corruption, and then thoughts on abundance under the sun as a parallel to the earlier thoughts on scarcity.

Thoughts on Scarcity

Those who are oppressed have no one to comfort them. Wouldn't it be better not to see life at all than to live out that kind of misery?

Those toiling at their work are so often fueled only by envy. They lack what their neighbors have and so they go about their vain pursuits. Yet folding one's hands in avoidance of work only leads to hunger. To be satisfied with a little is better than a lot with anxiety and strife (4:6)

Even those who have much of goods may have no one to share life with. Oh the joys of having a companion! "A three-fold cord" of fellowship has surprising strength (4:12)

Human Rulers and Arrogance

The life cycle of a ruler is presented for our consideration. He goes from nothing to something and then back to nothing. What is it all for? Where is all his pride in the end?

The King Who Reigns Forever

Our King is beyond this world of scarcity. Yet He entered this world in order to win for us a great abundance through His blood. He lives forever to reign over His people. He is high but not in some false arrogance. Even now He intercedes for us.