Actually, Im honored that you asked me to bring the message. Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. What Does It Mean to Confess Our Faith in Jesus? Our life will always be about community with God and others. "Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:9". January 2014 4:9-12 ~ Pastor Carl Crouse. We see this in verse 11: Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But it turned out those were the areas where my partner excelled. These are the hands, which will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes - eyes that will be filled with passion for you. But how can one keep warm alone? Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding. Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. December 2017 The word for better is towb, "good." (LogOut/ April 2018 The purpose is for each believer to serve as part of the whole. No one to comfort them! In the book of Ecclesiastes, the author only identifies himself by the Hebrew word qoheleth,which can be translated as preacher. He never identifies himself by name. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 In-Context. 5:25; Tit. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, "And for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure?" This too is vanity and it is a grievous task. As Wright explains, This proverb applies to all relationships and is certainly relevant for members of the body of Christ.[4] But marriage does not seem to be Solomons focus. Master Bedroom Wall Decor, Ecclesiastes 4 12, Marriage Wall Decor, A Cord of Three Strands Wedding Sign, Marriage Scripture, Unframed Prints ElevationBoutique (147) $19.99 FREE shipping A Cord of Three Strands Is Not Easily Broken wood framed cross sign, Unity ceremony alternative, Wedding rope ceremony, Ecclesiastes 4:12 TwistedGroveDesigns ecclesiastes 10:8-11. March 2017 Eve was created to be Adams companion and his helper in all things. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 NIV 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. October 2014 A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. It continues to be true over and over again. When someone is good at their job, it can cause others to be jealous of them (v. 4). Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? 2 Corinthians But how can one keep warm alone?. Take for instance the tears of the oppressed. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. September 2015 Because they have a good reward for their labor. Whether it be a spouse, a family member, a good friend, or even a care-giver, God has placed people in our lives to help us better see His goodness and love. ? Seeds Of Hope The nights back then were very cold so the couple after working and walking would need some warming. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. March 2010 var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Fruit Of The Spirit So to sum up, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 as written in its context is not talking about married couples. Rather than pine away for the past, Ecclesiastes says, "There is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life" (3:12). Answer In his pursuit of wisdom and learning, Solomon discovers that few things in life hold more value or enduring satisfaction than true friendship. Copyright 2023. ____________and ___________ , the Bible has much to say about marriage - directly and indirectly. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV. December 2020 10 For if they fall, one will help up his companion. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. I post weekly sermons and other biblical messages on this page. Looking for a religious wedding reading? Basically, what Solomon is saying here is that is better to have friends and companions while you work at your job because those friends can help you as you work together. November 2014 (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. (2) Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.But how can one keep warm alone? As Christians we have all the material we need to build a strong Marriage. November 2018 The first illustration is that of a traveler who falls into a pit. Your Maker is Your Husband: The Divine Marriage Metaphor and the New Covenant Matthew Haste This article traces the biblical use of the divine marriage metaphor throughout the Scriptures revealing its unique place in revealing the contours of the new covenant. Everything is meaningless! The writer is searching for significance and meaning in life. Loving Lord and Heavenly Father, I pray that I would always invite You into every relationship in my life and seek Your guidance in every decision I make. The Cord of Three Strands symbolizes the joining of one man and one woman by God into a marriage relationship. J. Alec Motyer and Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today (England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1984), 51. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. Bible Q&A: What Is The UnpardonableSin? October 2020 One of the keywords in these verses is better. The writer is stating that a better way, a more fruitful way to live life is alongside other people. 10 If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. I want to be your daddy, not the pastor who does your wedding. July 2012 18, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983), 109. CLAIM: The book of Ecclesiastes is a view of human purpose apart from God. Which means we are not here to honor Andrea and Bradley but to honor and worship God who has brought them together. #3. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. This too is meaningless a . Ecclesiastes 4:9 Context. All throughout the New Testament, God is calling the body of Christ to display his glory and to share his message. They love because the Covenant requires it, not because the other deserves it. We are to give warmth to each other, giving hugs (physically and emotionally). Check. RESPONSE: We have no problem critiquing a devotionalist use of Scripture (see Faulty Hermeneutical Systems). Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. TEAMWORK IS PROFITABLE - Vs. 9 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." TEAMWORK IS PROTECTIVE - Vs. 10 "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." 2:4), and biblical love requires they support one another during times of hardship (For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.) Only in the marriage relationship is the intimacy of the sexual relationship both permitted and encouraged by God (Heb. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. These are the hands, which will work along side you and will build your future, as you laugh and cry as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. Thus husband and wife are to wrap them themselves around each other, emotionally and physically, giving love and support "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall CLEAVE (be united) unto his wife: and they shall be ONE flesh" (Genesis 2:24).That which binds the strands is LOVE - the KEY to a SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! November 2020 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! September 2018 August 2015 There may be a tangential application to marriage. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! }" March 2011 WildEyesSigns. May 2020 Solomon writes, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. June 2013 8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and . 11 Two in a bed warm each other. The Chord of 3 Strands. It guarantees the feelings stay alive and protects the relationship from a downward spiral of each withdrawing love in revenge against the other being selfish. Marriage exists because God observed that it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him (Gen. 2:18-24). God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Working. For Ecclesiastes 9:9, Solomon is saying, "Since you only live for so long, enjoy life with the wife you love" and when he says "enjoy life" - he means in the full sense of "and Adam knew his wife Eve.". Look for that person today! It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. MAN, would you please take Andreas hands, palms up, so that you may see them for the gifts, which they are to you. October 2012 Theres absolutely no way I would have been able to rank second in a competition like this without the help of my partner. You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening? 6 Denomination:
This marriage will stand by the strength of your love and the power of faith you have in one another and also in God. But how can one keep warm alone? Every hour. Its within the community that the glory of God shines the brightest. A good marriage is good, but a great marriage is better. 9 Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. Whatever hardships we face, our Marriage will be a success, if we turn to God in the good and bad times, asking for His help and to fill us with His Love, and then respond to each other consistently in unconditional Love. Baptism In Ancient Literature And Archaeology Dewayne Bryant, Ph.D. Their Inner Thought Is That Their Houses Are Forever Chase Green. These are the hands which will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times - they are the hands which will comfort you when you are sick and will console you when you grieve. Daniel Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (New King James Version) here "Two are better than one,
The Bible teaches that marriage is to be a permanent relationship of one man and one woman freely and totally committed to each other as companions for life. If we stay close to Him, we will form a 3-Stranded Rope that cannot be broken:He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Here the Teacher picks up the other side of the same theme, now speaking of the positive benefits of a life lived in connection with others. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.. ? Wishing for the past or the future, one fails to appreciate the richness of the present. All Rights Reserved. 13:4; 1 Cor. Love is not just given because the other has given first, but because of the Covenant they have freely made. These are the hands of your best friend. This email address is being protected from spambots. February 2014 And this certainly can be applied to the partnership within marriage, but it is by no means limited to the union of marriage. Read More. December 2015 Bible Q&A: Will There Be Romantic Affection in Heaven? If this passage is being misinterpreted, then so be it. But the gathering of fellow believers is also for the benefit of us as individuals. Solomon writes, Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. Two are better than one Married life is infinitely to be preferred to this kind of life, for the very reasons alleged below, and which require no explanation. ? Haggai ~ Shake Up Your Life That this ceremony would honor you, and reflect the seriousness of the vows to be spoken. Leave a comment to ask questions or inspire others with your insights. January 2011 Jesus Himself said there was one man for whom it would have been better if he had never been born: Judas ( Matthew 26:24 ). How Do We Know What God's Best for Us Is? There are many other non-Christian proverbs that support the wisdom stated in these verses. Bible Q&A: Is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Talking About Marriage? The principle of two being better than one can be applied to any partnership or aspect of life. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! A good relationship has a good return on its labor. The Church: Some Assembly And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him a threefold cord is not quickly broken (vs. 9-12). But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! April 2019 December 2010 September 2016 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one a cord of three strands is not easily broken Scripture Vinyl Bible master bedroom ECCL4V9-0001. July 2019 //