Read Ecclesiastes 4:1–3
Questions from the Scripture text: What does Solomon now consider (Ecclesiastes 4:1a)? What does he especially see (verse )? What do the oppressed not have (verse 1c, e)? What is on the side of their oppressors (verse 1d)? Whom does he praise in Ecclesiastes 4:2a? More than whom (verse 2b)? And who had it best (Ecclesiastes 4:3a)? Why (verse 3b)?
What do the powerful do? Ecclesiastes 4:1–3 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, under the sun, the powerful oppress.
Without the worship of God (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:1-6), one is left only with what is under the sun (Ecclesiastes 4:1, Ecclesiastes 4:3). But, without the almighty power of God, the comparatively greater power of oppressors rules, and there is no comforter for the oppressed (Ecclesiastes 4:1). In such a case, it would be better to be dead (Ecclesiastes 4:2) or even to have never lived (Ecclesiastes 4:3a). Under the sun, there is no answer for evil (verse 3b).
What oppression is there? What solution is there for it? How do you keep mindful of what is above the sun?
Sample prayer: Lord God, You are Almighty. Your might, power, and goodness is the answer for all of the ill that is under the sun. With You, we have an almighty Comforter in every circumstance. So, we rejoice to draw near to You in worship. Even in the midst of the darkest valley, we fear no evil, for You are with us in Christ, through Whom we praise You, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP23B “The Lord’s My Shepherd” or TPH257 “Children of the Heavenly Father”
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