Eccl 2:4-9
4. I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.
5. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.
6. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.
7. I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.
8. I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well-- the delights of the heart of man.
9. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.
As a part of Solomon’s introduction to his sermon he shares he sought pleasure in possessions and building projects. Many think happiness is in nicer homes, beautiful lawns, and spacious estates
He had projects, elaborate homes, acres of vineyards, celebrations with parades. He had manicured parks including fruit trees and reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. There were excavations of his barns for the horses, courtyards, and three large reservoirs were discovered. His pools were between the size of a football field and another twice the size.
With all this he still failed to find inner peace. Many dream of the joys of pleasure through homes by the lake, and homes to get away to in the winter. There is nothing wrong with these, but then comes taxes, work, responsibilities, upkeep expenses, and dreams are always better than the reality.
In addition to his homes, Solomon also got into collecting jewels and articles of silver and gold. He also had his own home entertainment center by bringing in live music with singers, bands, and entertainers, He wrote over 1,000 songs and got choirs to do some of his own compositions. He was a man of the arts.
Later in his sermon he talked about the pleasures of women. Solomon wrote about love in the Song of Solomon and the pleasures of sexual relationship with his wife whom he loves. When a man has 1,000 wives, he should know a lot about sexual pleasure. The women and concubines could fulfill any sensual and sexual desires he had. Yet his boredom was so great it could not be described.
I think one of the saddest verses in the Bible is Matt 16:26, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (NIV).
Application: What is your dream that you long to possess? Is it God’s will? Have you prayed about it? Do you think that will finally bring happiness?
Prayer: Search me O God and know my heart, Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting Ps 139:23-24
