Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
(I Kings 10:27; II Chronicles 1:15; II Chronicles 9:20).
peculiar treasure of kings and . . . provinces—contributed by them, as tributary to him (I Kings 4:21, I Kings 4:24); a poor substitute for the wisdom whose "gain is better than fine gold" (Proverbs 3:14-15).
singers—so David (II Samuel 19:35).
musical instruments . . . of all sorts—introduced at banquets (Isaiah 5:12; Amos 6:5-6); rather, "a princess and princesses," from an Arabic root. One regular wife, or queen (Esther 1:9); Pharaoh's daughter (I Kings 3:1); other secondary wives, "princesses," distinct from the "concubines" (I Kings 11:3; Psalms 45:10; Song of Solomon 6:8) [WEISS, GESENIUS]. Had these been omitted, the enumeration would be incomplete.
Illustration more at large of Ecclesiastes 2:1-2.
I sought—I resolved, after search into many plans.
give myself unto wine—literally, "to draw my flesh," or "body to wine" (including all banquetings). Image from a captive drawn after a chariot in triumph (Romans 6:16, Romans 6:19; I Corinthians 12:2); or, one "allured" (II Peter 2:18-19).
yet acquainting . . . wisdom—literally, "and my heart (still) was behaving, or guiding itself," with wisdom [GESENIUS]. MAURER translates: "was weary of (worldly) wisdom." But the end of Ecclesiastes 2:9 confirms English Version.
folly—namely, pleasures of the flesh, termed "mad," Ecclesiastes 2:2.
all the days, etc.—(See Margin and Ecclesiastes 6:12; Job 15:20).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Ecclesiastes 2:8:
Ecclesiastes 2:12
Ecclesiastes 3:9
Malachi 3:17
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