Ecclesiastes 8:2-4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment All his commands which are not contrary to the will of God, who must be obeyed rather than any man, even rather than a king. In regard of the oath of God Because of that oath which thou hast taken to keep all God's laws, whereof this of obedience to superiors is one. Be not hasty to go out of his sight Hebrew, to go from his face or presence, namely, in dislike or discontent to withdraw thyself from the king's service, or from obedience to him: stand not in an evil thing If thou hast offended him, persist not to do so but humbly acknowledge thine offence, and beg his pardon; for he doth whatsoever pleaseth him His power is uncontrollable. Where the word of a king is, there is power Whatsoever he commands he wants not power nor instruments to execute, and therefore can easily punish thee as he pleases. And who may say unto him Hebrew, who shall say? who will presume, or dare to say so? He does not affirm that it is unlawful to say so; for Samuel spoke in that manner to Saul, and Nathan to David, and several other prophets to the kings of Judah and Israel; but only that it is difficult and dangerous.