February 22, 2024

What does "the way the spirit comes to the bones" mean in Ecclesiastes 11?

Ecclesiastes 11

Justin Dalton
Thursday's Devo

February 22, 2024

Thursday's Devo

February 22, 2024

Thursday's Devo

February 22, 2024

Thursday's Devo

February 22, 2024

Big Book Idea

God defines where true meaning is found.

Key Verse | Ecclesiastes 11:5

As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.

Ecclesiastes 11

Cast Your Bread upon the Waters

1  Cast your bread upon the waters,
    for you will find it after many days.
2  Give a portion to seven, or even to eight,
    for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
3  If the clouds are full of rain,
    they empty themselves on the earth,
and if a tree falls to the south or to the north,
    in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
4  He who observes the wind will not sow,
    and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

5 As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb 1 11:5 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Targum; most Hebrew manuscripts As you do not know the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.

6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

7 Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.

8 So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. 2 11:8 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a vapor or mere breath; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2)

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

10 Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain 3 11:10 Or evil from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Footnotes

[1] 11:5 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Targum; most Hebrew manuscripts As you do not know the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb
[2] 11:8 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2)
[3] 11:10 Or evil
Table of Contents
Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Timeline

Author

The author of Ecclesiastes calls himself “the Preacher” (1:1). Some interpreters have concluded that this was Solomon, while others think he was a role-playing writer later than Solomon. Either way, the book claims that its wisdom comes from the “one Shepherd” (12:11), the Lord himself.

Theme and Interpretation of Ecclesiastes

The theme of Ecclesiastes is the necessity of fearing God in this fallen, confusing world. Each human being wants to understand all the ways God is acting in the world, but he cannot, because he is not God. And yet the faithful do not despair but cling to God, even when they cannot see what God is doing. The Lord deserves his people’s trust. They can leave everything to him while they seek to understand what it means to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13). This is true wisdom.

Key Themes

  1. The tragic reality of the fall. The Preacher is painfully aware that the creation has been damaged by sin (7:29; Rom. 8:20, 22). He speaks as one who eagerly awaits the resurrection age (Rom. 8:23).
  2. The “vanity” of life. The book begins and ends with the exclamation, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccles. 1:2; 12:8). The phrase pictures something fleeting and elusive. All the endeavors and pleasures of earthly life are only temporary. When one sees the consequences of sin in this fallen world, one is left in utter frustration, anger, and sorrow. The more one tries to understand life, the more mysterious it becomes (1:12–18).
  3. Sin and death. By sinning, human beings forfeited the righteousness they originally had before God (7:29), and thus all people are sinners (7:20). Death was a result of the fall. The Preacher is only too aware of this dreadful reality that affects everyone (e.g., 2:14–17; 3:18–21; 6:6).
  4. The joy and the frustration of work. God gave Adam work to accomplish prior to the fall, but part of the punishment of his sin was that his work would become difficult (Gen. 2:15; 3:17–19). Both realities are seen in the Preacher’s experience, as he finds his work to be both satisfying (Eccles. 2:10, 24; 3:22; 5:18–20; 9:9–10) and aggravating (2:18–23; 4:4–8).
  5. The grateful enjoyment of God’s good gifts. The Preacher spends a great deal of time commenting on the twisted realities of a fallen world, but this does not blind him to the beauty of God’s world (3:11). Nor does it cause him to despise God’s good gifts of human relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor (5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7, 9). These are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully as blessings from God.
  6. The fear of God. The fact that “all is vanity” should drive people to take refuge in God, fearing and revering him (7:18; 8:12–13; 12:13–14).

Outline

  1. Introduction and Theme (1:1–3)
  2. First Catalog of “Vanities” (1:4–2:26)
  3. Poem: A Time for Everything (3:1–8)
  4. Fear God, the Sovereign One (3:9–15)
  5. Second Catalog of “Vanities” (3:16–4:16)
  6. Fear God, the Holy and Righteous One (5:1–7)
  7. Life “Under the Sun” (5:8–7:24)
  8. The Heart of the Problem: Sin (7:25–29)
  9. More on Life “Under the Sun” (8:1–12:7)
  10. Final Conclusion and Epilogue (12:8–14)
The Global Message of Ecclesiastes

The Global Message of Ecclesiastes

Life in a Broken World

The book of Ecclesiastes explains the world in all its complexity, confusion, and frustration with striking honesty. “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” declares the Preacher, echoing the cries of many who have seen, experienced, and recognized the dreadful fallenness of our world (Eccles. 1:2). The global reality both then and now is that our broken world is filled with oppression of the powerless (4:1), oppression of the poor (5:8), and violation of justice and righteousness (5:8). There is nothing new under the sun (1:9), no lasting earthly glory (1:11), no ultimately fulfilling pleasure (2:1–11), and no certainty in life except that it will end in death and judgment (2:14–16; 3:18–20; 6:6; 12:14).

In a fallen world there are many painful and complicated questions, but the message of Ecclesiastes is that there is an answer. That answer is not an easy one, but it is simple: fear the Lord (Eccles. 3:14; 5:7; 12:13–14). Though this world is filled with oppression and injustice, ultimately it will be well for those who fear God (8:12) and it will not be well for the wicked (8:13).

This world is filled with both blessings and challenges, neither of which provides ultimate answers or clarity about the meaning of life. If this world is all there is, then all is vanity. But when we trust the Lord in the face of circumstances that discourage us from doing so, we have a sure hope that we will one day be restored to him. Indeed, from a whole-Bible perspective, there is one who is the way (John 14:6), who is the comforter (2 Cor. 1:3), who is wisdom itself (1 Cor. 1:24). We will not easily figure God out, nor can we fathom all that he does (Eccles. 3:11). He is not a subject to be scrutinized or solved, nor are his ways easily comprehended (8:17). But God has spoken to us in his Son, who gives us the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

Purpose in Life and the Purpose of Life

The message of Ecclesiastes is that however difficult things may be because of the curse upon mankind in this fallen world, there is purpose and grace for all. There is enduring hope and satisfying life as we walk with God. The very gifts of God that, apart from God, prove hollow and disappointing, can be enjoyed truly and satisfyingly—not as the main purpose of life but as a means to know God in a deeper way. Our message to the world is that there is purpose in life regarding the blessings we receive from God such as food, drink, and work, but that these blessings are not the purpose of life.

Purpose in life. There is a proper place, time, and perspective for each season in life and for each blessing from God (Eccles. 3:1–8). The blessings of common grace are to be recognized as coming from the very hand of God. Work and its enjoyment are blessings from God (2:24; 3:22; 5:18–20). There is purpose in life for work, but neither work itself nor the hoarding of possessions are the purpose of life. When work becomes the governing purpose of life, when envy is our driving force, or when we seek satisfaction in wealth, we are left disappointed (2:18–23; 4:4). There is purpose in life for other gifts of common grace such as food, drink, and relationships (2:24–26; 3:12–13; 5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7, 9). The proper enjoyment of such gifts comes from God, who alone satisfies (3:13; 5:19).

The purpose of life. This then is the purpose of life: to fear God, who is sovereign (Eccles. 3:11, 14), holy in heaven (5:2, 7), and judge of all (12:13–14). He is the Giver of gifts and the one who grants even the ability to enjoy these gifts (5:19). In receiving such gifts of life we are to find our greatest joy in him (5:20).

The Global Church’s Mission to a Broken World

The book of Ecclesiastes provides a brutally honest and refreshing message for the global church to proclaim to the world. In one sense the Christian message is other-worldly, yet it also addresses the sober realities that face each society and every individual in every generation. The message of the gospel not only affirms the disappointments of life, it also offers the only true hope for meaningful living.

The Giver and the gifts. There is a Creator to be worshiped (Eccles. 12:1). He has made all things. Life is to be enjoyed as being from him and to him. The world must recognize the blessed common grace they have received in creation, life, work, and possessions. They should enjoy such blessings, but not as the purpose of life. The global church has a message of hope for a world that is “striving after wind” (1:14). Clinging to the gift rather than worshiping the Giver is meaningless. The wealthy are not to be envied, for they find neither ultimate satisfaction nor eternal security in their wealth (5:10–17). It is far better to enjoy fellowship with the Giver rather than simply enjoying his gifts, however good they may be.

The ultimate gift. Enjoyment of God is available ultimately because he sent his Son to die on behalf of sinners. There is none who is righteous before God (Eccles. 7:20). No one can escape death (2:16; 9:3, 12). God’s ways cannot be easily or fully fathomed (3:11), but he has indeed revealed himself clearly and gloriously in the person of his Son Jesus Christ (John 14:9). In the Son we have seen the one who both demonstrates and also empowers what it means to truly fear and enjoy God. There is grace abundant for all who recognize the vanity of their selfish living and remember and fear their Creator (Eccles. 12:1) and Redeemer (Isa. 54:5).

A sure hope. While Ecclesiastes sobers us with the reminder that this fallen world is filled with injustice, it also offers hope. Christians are to be active in seeking justice and encouraging the oppressed within society (Isa. 1:17). But we need not despair at the imperfect justice of this world because God will bring final and perfect justice one day (Eccles. 3:17). For the oppressed and the victims of injustice this is indeed good news. It is not vanity to fear and follow God (8:10–13). To those in the global church who suffer under persecution for the sake of the gospel there is the comfort that God does indeed see them, take care of them, and remember them.

A sovereign Lord. There is one who is in control. God is in control when times are good and when times are bad (Eccles. 7:14). We are not in control—which is a great blessing, despite the ways in which we often seek to control our lives. Our message to the world is to abandon striving after control and to embrace the one who is in control. Every building and work of art will one day turn to dust, but there is one who is eternal and whose works last forever (3:14). Our message to the world is to abandon the quest for self-glory and the accumulation of possessions and to embrace the blessed and wise God-centered life of sober hope.

This is the glorious Christian vision for life that the church must embrace and display for the world to see.

Ecclesiastes Fact #1: Ecclesiastes

Fact: Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes encourages God’s people to trust him in a fallen and often confusing world, in which sin and heartache touch every corner of the globe. We are to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13), even when we cannot understand everything that is going on around us.

Ecclesiastes Fact #2: Vanity, vanities, and vain

Fact: Vanity, vanities, and vain

The words vanity, vanities, and vain occur nearly 40 times in Ecclesiastes. Their literal meaning is “vapor” or “breath,” so they are used to describe things that can be fleeting or elusive, like the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Ecclesiastes Fact #5: “Eat, drink, and be merry”?

Fact: “Eat, drink, and be merry”?

“Eat, drink, and be merry”? Ecclesiastes advises those who serve God to enjoy his gifts of food, drink, comfort, married life, and honest work (9:7–9; compare 2:24–26; 3:13; 5:19–20).

Study Notes

Eccles. 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters is a difficult expression. Various scholars have suggested it could refer to (1) maritime commerce; (2) diversifying one’s financial resources; (3) giving to the poor.

Study Notes

Eccles. 11:2 It is wise to have many ways to make a living and invest resources.

Study Notes

Eccles. 11:4 Too much time spent trying to “read the skies” will only distract one from the work that needs to be done. Those who always wait for the perfect time to begin a project will not sow and will not reap.

Study Notes

Eccles. 11:7–8 Light . . . darkness refers to the contrast between life and death.

Study Notes

Eccles. 11:9 Proper enjoyment of life is possible only within the moral boundaries established by God. He will evaluate all human deeds according to his righteous judgment.

Study Notes

Eccles. 11:10 Remove vexation . . . put away pain. It is not wise to dwell on sorrow or illness.

S3:039 Ecclesiastes 11

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Ecclesiastes 11

Being a scientist, I've wrestled with a few of life's mysteries, and, though I've found some answers, my search has revealed even more questions. As a person in search of answers, I find this passage challenging, yet redeeming. It reminds me that many of life's uncertainties and mysteries surpass my understanding and calls me to embrace them with faith and wisdom, trusting God's sovereign hand.

The passage begins by contrasting what is known and unknown to man, challenging our response to the unknown. Just as God questions Job on the creation of the universe in Job 38, the author emphasizes our limited understanding by presenting the mysterious way a spirit enters a baby's bones in the womb (Ecclesiastes 11:5). The passage highlights that my perspective is insufficient to fully comprehend God's plans and purposes.

Rather than fearing the unknown, we're encouraged to seize opportunities and act purposefully, investing our time, talents, and resources without hesitation. Just as farmers sow seeds with hope, we, too, are invited to embrace a posture of faith and expectancy. Ecclesiastes 11:6 says, "In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good." Don't let the fear of the unknown paralyze you. Life is filled with uncertainties and risks, but we're urged to trust in God's providence and move forward boldly.

We're advised to rejoice in our youth and seize moments of vitality and joy. For those of us who feel that our youth has fled, we'll never be younger again than today. But this goes beyond mere enjoyment; it calls us to live with purpose and intentionality. Start young, seek God, remember our Creator, and walk in His ways.

Ecclesiastes 11 reminds me that as finite as my time on earth is, so is my comprehension of life's mysteries. It challenges me to embrace the unknown, knowing that God holds all things in His hand. Wisdom lies in acknowledging my limitations and surrendering control to the Lord, not allowing worry, stagnation, or fear to hinder my growth and potential. I strive daily to trust in God's sovereignty, finding peace in His divine plan as I journey through life's mysterious tapestry.

This month's memory verse

Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

– Exodus 34:6b

Discussion Questions

1. What is the significance of this passage in a world that largely values security and predictability? How can we reconcile the pursuit of wisdom with the acceptance of uncertainty?

2. How does embracing the unknown and acknowledging our limited understanding contribute to our personal growth and spiritual development?

3. How can we cultivate joy in our lives despite the hardships and uncertainties we may face? Are there specific practices or mindsets that can help us maintain a joyful outlook?

4. The passage emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence. What are some practical ways that we can cultivate a genuine trust in God's plan?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Yet another substitue teacher comes to class the next day and it is Marcus Aurelius speaking on Ecclesiastes 12. My esteemed students, As we gather today, I'm reminded of the profound value of wisdom in navigating life's complexities. I've often reflected on the transient nature of our existence and the power of reason and virtue to guide us through challenges. Yet, in the book of Ecclesiastes, we find wisdom that exceeds even my own. Attributed to King Solomon, Ecclesiastes offers timeless insights into the human condition. Its verses speak of the inevitability of change, the fleetingness of earthly pursuits, and the sovereignty of time. It humbles us with its reverence for the mysteries of existence and reminds us of the limitations of human understanding. In Ecclesiastes, we find a holistic perspective that encompasses not only our individual journeys but also the broader cycles of nature and the divine order of the universe. Its wisdom transcends cultures and epochs, offering solace and guidance to seekers across generations. I was known to say it's on me. "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." I think Eclesiastes says it better. Ir's on God. While I've shared my own reflections, I must acknowledge the surpassing wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Its timeless truths inspire humility, gratitude, and reverence for the divine. Let us continue our journey of learning, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the ages as we seek to live lives of virtue and purpose. Thank you. Marcus Aurelius Bell rings. Class dismissed
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Verse 5b - “…so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.” As I move towards the completion of Solomon’s thoughts, I’m spending more and more time reflecting on the core truths of life in a fallen world. I can clearly see a foretaste of the call to “keep my eyes on focused on Jesus” Hebrews 12:13). In so doing, my heart is elevated and redirected to a focus on eternal life rather than my present earthly life. Interestingly, that reality draws me more deeply into reflecting on my own spiritual formation. And in that, a deeper and more intimate connection with Jesus as my shepherd. Our recent series from TA on the Holy Spirit has been very helpful in this regard. All of this calls me and leads me to a deeper trust in God. As Solomon states, there is no way to have any real understanding of earthly reality so trust in the Creator of it is what calls to me. For me, 5b leads directly into 6b “…For you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Decalogue conveys very clearly that my focus is to be on relationships- 1-4 call me to God 5-10 call me to others Together, all 10 call me to a different life in claiming and living out God’s promises; all 7,487 of them. Jesus frames this for me in John 10:10 and in John 15:10-11. My desire is the depth of unity for which He prays in John 17. Eternal life is what God has given me. Abundant life is what He promises me. The former describes my unity with Him in Heaven. The latter calls me to unity with Him now.
GJ

greg jones

This “Start young, seek God, remember our Creator, and walk in His ways.” And that “Wisdom lies in acknowledging my limitations and surrendering control to the Lord, not allowing worry, stagnation, or fear to hinder my growth and potential.“
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Justin. Verse 7 says, "Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun." I am always on the lookout for new things to give thanks for that I hadn't previously thought to say "Thank You, Lord" for. Having read of some of the Hamas prisoners kept in the dark for months, who hadn't seen any light at all, I have a new appreciation of the truth of how pleasant it is for the eyes to see the sun. Thank You, Lord, for this simple blessing. But I am also aware of the timeliness of coming across this verse in view of the wonderful event coming up on April 8 for those of us in Dallas and a swath of Texas, a total eclipse of the sun. I never thought I'd be able to experience this in my lifetime and I am THRILLED about it. I blogged about it here: https://blogs.bible.org/the-eclipse-declares-the-glory-of-god-v-2024/
JC

Jason Cromwell

I grew up in a family that prized knowledge, and you were never allowed to say, "I don't know." Years of being a Christian has given me back the freedom to say, "I don't know." There's a God above who knows everything, and though He has given me an excellent brain, I am happy I don't have to know everything.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. The value of this passage could be extra details of life to use if needed and to use when needed. The pursuit of wisdom can be reconciled with the acceptance of uncertainty by trusting God as we see and participate in life. 2. Embracing the unknown and a limited understanding helps in being willing and ready to learn new things and in valuing what is learned. A person acts as themself and does not act fake. The person is truer to God and uses their strengths so they will get stronger. 3. Knowing God is good, knowing God has a plan for us, and knowing God loves and supports each of us unconditionally can help create joy. 4. A genuine trust for God’s plan can be built from listening to sermons at church or on the radio, from reading in Bible, and from applying what is learned in daily life. Justin -Thank you for sharing your ideas. You made an excellent point in saying, “It reminds me that many of life's uncertainties and mysteries surpass my understanding and calls me to embrace them with faith and wisdom, trusting God's sovereign hand”. This is a great idea we all should consider.