February 2025 – Semper Reformanda

Ecclesiastes 4:12 | Word Study

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (KJV)

This is the third metaphor for comfort that Qoheleth positions against the self-centred achiever. This is perhaps the isolated man’s greatest loss: the comfort of divine communion with other Saints, and Christ. On the subject of ‘prevailing’ through the travails of life (or spiritual warfare), the loner is vulnerable. There is much to lose. And the probability of winning is too little. But the one in a divine communion, has other believers, elects, saints, faithing along him. This is a situation where both are conquerors: why? Because they are strengthened by a third cord, i.e., the Holy Spirit. (Henry) So, as opposed to the ambition of the selfish loner, Qoheleth suggests it is better to rest in the Sovereign will of YHWH, in the community of His people, in the care of His Holy Spirit.

Reference:

Henry, M. (1706). Commentary on the Whole Bible, Complete, Eccl. 4:1-12

Ecclesiastes 4:11 | Word Study

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:11 (KJV)

Qoheleth speaks of comfort that the self-centred achiever misses out on. In the previous verse, Qoheleth spoke of the security of community. In this verse, he speaks of ‘mutual warmth.’ To quote Henry, “… virtuous and gracious affections are excited by good society and Christians warm one another by provoking one another to love and to good works.”

Reference:

Henry, M. (1706). Commentary on the Whole Bible, Complete, Eccl. 4:1-12

Ecclesiastes 4:10 | Word Study

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:10 (KJV)

The perilous state that this life naturally has, the self-centred achiever in his ambition robs himself of the security from such state. He is not only subjected to the ‘vanity of labour under the sun,’ but also of the burden to bear this perilous state alone. In his aloneness, he losses the possible comfort he could have from his community when such burden afflicts him. To put some weight on the words, we could say – the self-centred achiever suffers twice, (1) from the pain of living, and (2) from the pain of living alone. Henry writes, “Woe to him that is alone. He lies exposed to many temptations which good company and friendship would prevent and help him to guard against; he wants that advantage which a man has by the countenance of his friend, as iron has of being sharpened by iron.”

Reference:

Henry, M. (1706). Commentary on the Whole Bible, Complete, Eccl. 4:1-12