Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
This verse qualifies the sentiment, Ecclesiastes 9:7-9. Earthly "enjoyments," however lawful in their place (Ecclesiastes 3:1), are to give way when any work to be done for God requires it. Reverting to the sentiment (Ecclesiastes 8:17), we ought, therefore, not only to work God's work "with might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10), but also with the feeling that the event is wholly "in God's hand" (Ecclesiastes 9:1).
race . . . not to the swift— (II Samuel 18:23); spiritually (Zephaniah 3:19; Romans 9:16).
nor . . . battle to . . . strong— (I Samuel 17:47; II Chronicles 14:9, II Chronicles 14:11, II Chronicles 14:15; Psalms 33:16).
bread—livelihood.
favour—of the great.
chance—seemingly, really Providence. But as man cannot "find it out" (Ecclesiastes 3:11), he needs "with all might" to use opportunities. Duties are ours; events, God's.
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