Ecclesiastes 2:7

"I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown."

Key Reflection

In Ecclesiastes 2:7, Solomon speaks metaphorically about his own efforts and their ultimate futility; creating these pools symbolizes his attempts at gaining pleasure and meaning in life, which are insufficient on their own to sustain true fulfillment or growth. These efforts are likened to watering a forest, suggesting that without God, such human endeavors leave the spiritual landscape barren and unfruitful.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

I got -Rather, I bought, in distinction from those born in the house. The “children of Solomon’s servants” (compareEzra 2:55,Ezra 2:58) were more probably of Canaanite origin1 Kings 9:20-21;1 Kings 5:15than Hebrews1 Kings 9:22. Possessions of great and small cattle -Rather, herds of oxen and sheep. All ... before me -King David’s herds and flocks are mentioned in1 Chronicles 27:29,1 Chronicles 27:31: but we have no specific account of the wealth of other Canaanite or Hebrew inhabitants of Jerusalem before Solomon.

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