To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
“… everything,” kôl כֹּל seems to refer to a whole of a thing and not a reference to an individual or a person. (Seow, 159) “… season” refers to appointed time – more appropriately, one can think of its meaning with reference to the way ‘agricultural seasons’ are thought of; or in the extended sense, ‘cosmological phenomenon.’ The word ‘purpose’ refers to ‘matter;’ the verb occurs in a stereotypical expression of God’s authority and power. (Seow)
Comments: The chapter seems to introduce us to the nature of reality we live in; i.e.,
The universe has a flow and a regularity to it that is beyond any human control and renders futile all attempts at “profit.” The wise person lives life in the light of this massive truth. (Provan, 97-98)
References:
Provan, I. (2001). Ecclesiastes/Song of Songs: The New Application Commentary, Zondervan
Seow, C.L. (1997). Ecclesiastes, Yale University Press
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