Ecclesiastes 4:16 - John Trapp Complete Commentary

Bible Comments

Ecclesiastes 4:16 [There is] no end of all the people, [even] of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ver. 16. There is no end of all the people,] i.e., They are infinitely discontented and restless in their desires after a new and another governor. Aει γαρ το παρον βαρυ, as Thucydides long since observed, The present government, be it never so good, is always grievous. "O that I were made judge in the land," said Absalom. 2Sa 15:4 Oh that thou wert, said the people, who yet soon had enough of him. And so had they of their new king, Saul, whom contra gentes, they would needlessly have, after the manner of all other nations. 1Sa 8:6-7 How soon did the Baptist grow stale to the Jews, that had lately "heard him gladly," Mar 6:20 and was no more set by than "a reed shaken with the wind!" Mat 11:7 How suddenly did they change their note concerning Christ from "Hosanna" to Crucify him! The common people are like to children, saith an interpreter, that rest not contented with any schoolmaster, and like to servants that love to change every year their masters. People are desirous to hear new preachers, as feasters to hear new songs and new instruments. Eze 33:32

Ecclesiastes 4:16

16 There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.