In light of the reality of the inevitability and finality of death, with rather unusual urgency, Qoheleth, exhorts his audience to live life to the fullest (see 9:7-10). We must realize that it has always been God’s plan for His people to enjoy life. In the beginning, God created all things and gave them to mankind to enjoy. Eating, drinking, marriage and worshipful service were among the gifts given to humanity; but sin ruined all of this. After the fall, men could only eat and drink “by sweat,” strife and dominance plagued marriage, and “toil” ending in death replaced a joyful life of worship. In chapter 9 of Ecclesiastes Qoheleth is merely exhorting us to live in a manner in which God had always intended us to live. Yes, death is inevitable; yes, relationships are beleaguered with difficulties; yes, food and drink are abused; and yes, work is difficult in this life. As a ransomed people, set free, we are not only invited to the King’s banquet, but can recline at the table, enjoy the food, drink, and the company. Such is your birthright as sons of the King. You are, in a sense, called to enjoy your best life now. |
