SEV Biblia, Chapter 9:8
En todo tiempo serán blancos tus vestidos, y nunca faltará ungí¼ento sobre tu cabeza.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 9:8
Verse 8. Let thy garments be always white - The Jews wore white garments on festal occasions, as emblems of joy and innocence. Be always pure, and always happy. The inhabitants of India are all dressed in clean white cotton, and to this is the allusion in the text. The Targum says: "At all times let thy garments be washed and pure from the stain of sin. Acquire a good name, which is likened to the oil of anointing, that blessings may be called down up thy head, and goodness not forsake thee."
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 8. Let thy garments be always white , etc.] That is, neat and clean, not vile and sordid; what is comely and decent, and suitable to a man’s circumstances; this colour is particularly mentioned because much used in the eastern countries, and in Judea; hence we so often read of washing garments, and of fullers that whitened them; and especially on festival days and days of rejoicing, to which Horace refers; and here it signifies that every day should be like a festival or day of rejoicing to a good man, to whom God has given the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, ( Isaiah 61:3); and though there may be times for mourning, and so of putting on other apparel, yet, in common and ordinarily, this should be the habit, decent and comely apparel. The ancient Jews in Aben Ezra, and so Jarchi, interpret it of an unblemished conversation; and Kimchi of repentance and good works; and so the Targum, “let thy garments be white (or washed) from all filth of sin;” or be without any spot of sin, as Alshech; the conversation garments of the saints are made white in the blood of Christ, and his righteousness is fine linen, and white; and even eternal glory and happiness is signified by walking with him in white, ( Revelation 7:14 19:8 3:4,18); and let thy head lack no ointment : which used to be poured plentifully on the heads of guests at feasts f223 , for the refreshment of them, which gave pleasure, and a sweet odour and fragrancy, and was much in use in those hot countries; (see Psalm 23:5 Luke 7:46); and is opposed to a gloomy and melancholy carriage and deportment, ( Matthew 6:17); hence we read of the oil of joy and gladness, ( Psalm 45:7 Isaiah 63:1). The Jews before mentioned interpreted this of a good name better than ointment, ( Ecclesiastes 7:1). So the Targum, “and a good name, which is like to anointing oil, get; that blessings may come upon thy head, and thy goodness fail not.”
Matthew Henry Commentary
Good and bad men fare alike as to this world. (Eccl. 9:1-3) All me must die, Their portion as to this life. (Eccl. 9:4-10) Disappointment common. (Eccl. 9:11,12) Benefits of wisdom. (Eccl. 9:13-18)
Eccl. 9:1-3 We are not to think our searching into the word or works of God useless, because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may lear many things good for ourselves and useful to others. But man cannot always decide who are objects of God's special love, or under his wrath; and God will certainly put a difference between the precious an the vile, in the other world. The difference as to present happiness arises from the inward supports and consolations the righteous enjoy and the benefit they derive from varied trials and mercies. As far a the sons of men are left to themselves, their hearts are full of evil and prosperity in sin, causes them even to set God at defiance by daring wickedness. Though, on this side death, the righteous and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, on the other side there will be vast difference between them.
Eccl. 9:4-10 The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their conditio in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their Father's love, in answe to prayer, will have a peculiar relish. Not that we may set our heart upon the delights of sense, but what God has given us we may use with wisdom. The joy here described, is the gladness of heart that spring from a sense of the Divine favour. This is the world of service, tha to come is the world of recompence. All in their stations, may fin some work to do. And above all, sinners have the salvation of their souls to seek after, believers have to prove their faith, adorn the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation.
Eccl. 9:11,12 Men's success seldom equals their expectations. We mus use means, but not trust to them: if we succeed, we must give God the praise; if crossed, we must submit to his will. Those who put off the great concerns of their souls, are caught in Satan's net, which he baits with some worldly object, for which they reject or neglect the gospel, and go on in sin till they suddenly fall into destruction.
Eccl. 9:13-18 A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be agains us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise the should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, doe one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own sou destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if on saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
בכל 3605 עת 6256 יהיו 1961 בגדיך 899 לבנים 3836 ושׁמן 8081 על 5921 ראשׁך 7218 אל 408 יחסר׃ 2637
