He who digs a pit may fall into itThis phrase reflects the principle of retributive justice, where one's harmful intentions or actions can backfire. In ancient times, pits were often dug as traps for animals or enemies, symbolizing deceit or malice. The imagery suggests that those who plot harm against others may themselves suffer the consequences. This concept is echoed in
Proverbs 26:27, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them," emphasizing the idea of divine justice. Theologically, it underscores the biblical theme that God sees all actions and will ensure justice is served, as seen in
Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake
In ancient Near Eastern architecture, walls were often made of stone or mud-brick, providing protection and security. Breaching a wall implies an act of destruction or invasion, often associated with breaking boundaries or laws. Snakes, common in the region, would inhabit the crevices of these walls, posing a hidden danger. This imagery warns of unforeseen consequences when one disrupts established boundaries. Biblically, snakes symbolize danger and deceit, as seen inGenesis 3 with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The phrase serves as a caution against reckless or sinful actions that can lead to unexpected harm, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of wisdom and folly.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.
2.
Israel- The nation where Solomon reigned, providing the cultural and historical context for the book of Ecclesiastes.
3.
The Pit- A metaphorical or literal trap that one might dig, representing the consequences of one's actions.
4.
The Wall- Represents boundaries or protections that, when breached, can lead to unforeseen dangers.
5.
The Snake- Symbolizes hidden dangers or consequences that arise from reckless actions.
Teaching Points
The Principle of ConsequencesOur actions have consequences, and we must be mindful of the paths we choose. Reckless or malicious actions can lead to our downfall.
Respecting BoundariesBreaching boundaries, whether moral, ethical, or physical, can lead to unforeseen dangers. We must respect the limits set by God and society.
Divine JusticeGod’s justice ensures that those who plot evil will face the consequences of their actions. Trust in God’s justice rather than seeking revenge.
Wisdom in ActionWisdom involves foreseeing potential dangers and acting to avoid them. We should seek God’s wisdom in our daily decisions.
Self-ReflectionRegularly examine your actions and motives to ensure they align with God’s will, avoiding pitfalls and breaches that lead to harm.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10
In Ecclesiastes 11:1, how is “casting bread upon the waters” supposed to yield a result when bread would dissolve or sink?
In Ecclesiastes 12:8, does the statement 'all is vanity' contradict the idea of purpose found elsewhere in the Bible?
When Ecclesiastes 10:8 warns that whoever digs a pit may fall into it, is this literal or metaphorical, and are there any historical or archaeological findings to support such fatalistic outcomes?
In Ezekiel 8:10, why would the temple contain images of 'creeping things' if this contradicts the temple's strict laws against idolatry?(8) Commentators cannot be said to have been very successful in their attempts to trace a connection between the proverbs of this chapter. Perhaps nothing better can be said than that the common theme of these proverbs is the advantage of wisdom, and here in particular of caution in great enterprises. It is forcing the connection to imagine that the enterprise from which the writer seeks to dissuade, is that of rebellion against the ruler whose error is condemned (
Ecclesiastes 10:5).
Diggeth a pit.--SeeProverbs 26:27;Ecclesiasticus 27:26. The word here used for "pit" is found in later Hebrew, and nowhere else in the Old Testament.
An hedge.--Rather,a stone wall,in the crevices of which serpents often have their habitation. (Comp.Proverbs 24:31;Lamentations 3:9;Amos 5:19.) This verse admits of a curious verbal comparison withIsaiah 58:12, "builder of the breach," in one, answering to "breacher of the building" in the other. . . .
Verses 8-11. - Section 13.
Various proverbs expressing the benefit of prudence and caution, and the danger of folly. The connection with what has preceded is not closely marked, but is probably to be found in the bearing of the maxims on the conduct of the wise man who has incurred the resentment of a ruler, and might be inclined to disaffection and revolt. They are intentionally obscure and capable of a double sense - a necessary precaution if the writer lived under Persian despots.
Verse 8. -
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it. This proverb occurs in
Proverbs 26:27, and, as expressive of the retribution that awaits evil-doers, finds parallels in
Psalm 7:15, 16;
Psalm 9:15;
Psalm 10:2; Ecclus. 27:25, 26. The" pit" (
gummats,
ἅπαξ λεγόμενον) is such a one as was made to capture wild animals, and the maker of it is supposed to approach it incautiously, and to fall into it. But the scope of our passage is rather to speak of what may possibly occur than to insist on the Nemesis that inevitably overtakes transgressors. Its object is to inspire caution in the prosecution of dangerous undertakings, whether the enterprise be the overthrow of a tyrant, or any other action of importance, or whether, as some suppose, the arraignment of the providential ordering of events is intended, in which ease there would be the danger of blasphemy and impatience.
And whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. The futures throughout vers. 8 and 9 are not intended to express certainty, as if the results mentioned were inevitable, but rather possibility, and might be rendered, with Delitzsch, "may fall," "may bite," etc. The "hedge" is rather a wall (
Proverbs 24:31), in the crevices of which poisonous snakes have made their abode, which are disturbed by its demolition (comp. Ames 5:19).
Nachash, here used, is the generic name of any serpent. The majority of the snakes found in Palestine are harmless; but there are some which are very deadly, especially the cobra and those which belong to the viper family. There is no allusion here to the illegal removal of landmarks, a proceeding which might be supposed to provoke retribution; the hedge or wail is one which the demolisher is justified in removing, only in doing so he must look out for certain contingencies, and guard against them. Metaphorically, the pulling down a wall may refer to the removal of evil institutions in a state, which involves the reformer in many difficulties and perils.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He who digsחֹפֵ֥ר(ḥō·p̄êr)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2658:To pry into, to delve, to explorea pitגּוּמָּ֖ץ(gūm·māṣ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1475:A pitmay fall into it,יִפּ֑וֹל(yip·pō·wl)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307:To fall, lieand he who breachesוּפֹרֵ֥ץ(ū·p̄ō·rêṣ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6555:To break througha wallגָּדֵ֖ר(gā·ḏêr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1447:A circumvallation, an inclosuremay be bittenיִשְּׁכֶ֥נּוּ(yiš·šə·ḵen·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5391:To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usuryby a snake.נָחָֽשׁ׃(nā·ḥāš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5175:A serpent
Links
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:8 He who digs a pit may fall (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
