What the Bible says about Savoring Life with Enthusiasm
(From Forerunner Commentary)
To paraphrase, Solomon is saying, "Okay, you are committed. Be enthusiastic and generous in your commitment." We need to invest everything we have in this life of faith.
The phrase seven or eight means "many," not just these specific numbers.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Light is a symbol of the goodness of life or joy. Life is just not good of itself, but it is to be savored with enthusiasm, as one might enjoy honey.
Life is good, but it can be even better. This is quite a change from the beginning of the book, where Solomon says life is frustrating, meaningless, and absurd. The difference is that God is involved in the life that is good, and things will work out for the good. God removes the frustration by His Spirit.
It is intended that life be enjoyed all life long, but Solomon says at the end of verse 8 to take advantage of it now, because the clock cannot be turned back. All that is coming is vanity, futility, death, which verse 9 picks up on.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)Related Topics: Death | Enjoying Life | Futility | Life as Frustrating | Life as Meaningless | Life is Good | Savoring Life with Enthusiasm | Vanity