Movatterモバイル変換

Genesis 11:4
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose topmay reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

2 Samuel 18:18
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, whichis in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

Daniel 4:30
The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

I builded

Deuteronomy 8:12-14
Lestwhen thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelttherein; …

1 Kings 7:1,2,8-12
But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house…

1 Kings 9:1
And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,

i planted

1 Chronicles 27:27
And over the vineyardswas Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellarswas Zabdi the Shiphmite:

2 Chronicles 26:10
Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmenalso, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

Song of Solomon 1:14
My belovedis unto meas a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.

I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.
Solomon's building projects are well-documented in the Bible, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and his own palace (1 Kings 6-7). These grand projects symbolize human achievement and the desire for legacy. The mention of vineyards indicates agricultural prosperity and wealth, as vineyards were a sign of blessing and abundance in ancient Israel (Deuteronomy 8:7-8). Culturally, vineyards were significant in the ancient Near East, often associated with joy and celebration (Psalm 104:15). This phrase also highlights the personal nature of these endeavors—"for myself"—emphasizing the self-centered pursuit of pleasure and accomplishment. In a broader biblical context, this can be contrasted with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Solomon's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of earthly achievements in providing lasting fulfillment.

Ecclesiastes 2:4 opens with, “I expanded my pursuits.” Solomon is recalling a season when he deliberately widened the scope of his efforts to discover satisfaction. His experiment was not half-hearted; it was comprehensive.

•Ecclesiastes 1:13 tells us he “applied [his] mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven,” showing a planned, intentional investigation.

• In1 Kings 10:23-24 he becomes “greater in riches and wisdom than all the kings of the earth,” underscoring how fully he could fund any undertaking.

• YetEcclesiastes 2:11 admits, “all was futile and a chasing after the wind.” The widening of pursuits highlighted the emptiness of life lived for self-pleasure rather than God.

Next Solomon says, “I built houses.” These are literal construction projects—grand residences, governmental buildings, and storage cities (1 Kings 7:1-12; 9:17-19).

•1 Kings 7:8 notes, “Solomon’s own palace… was similar in construction” to the ornate temple; even his personal dwelling mirrored splendor intended for God.

•Deuteronomy 8:12-14 had warned Israel that “when you build fine houses… your heart may become proud,” a warning Solomon’s experience proves valid.

• Jesus later illustrates the same peril inLuke 12:18-20, where a rich man resolves to “tear down my barns and build bigger ones,” only to learn that material expansion can leave the soul unprepared for eternity.

Building houses testifies to human creativity and God-given stewardship, yet it cannot fill the inner void reserved for fellowship with the Creator.

Finally Solomon reports, “and planted vineyards for myself.” Vineyards require long-term planning, irrigation systems, and skilled labor (Song of Songs 8:11;Isaiah 5:1-2).

• The phrase “for myself” underscores self-oriented motives; vineyards were staples of wealth and symbols of leisurely enjoyment (Amos 6:4-6).

•1 Kings 4:33 notes Solomon “described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop,” indicating genuine interest in horticulture, yet even expert knowledge and fine wine could not quench spiritual thirst (Ecclesiastes 2:3).

• Jesus’ teaching inJohn 15:1-5 reveals that true fruitfulness comes only when one abides in the “true vine,” Christ Himself, not in rows of earthly vines.

Ecclesiastes 2:4 portrays Solomon’s deliberate expansion of projects—ambitious pursuits, magnificent houses, and flourishing vineyards—all undertaken with unparalleled resources and wisdom. Each achievement proved that even the grandest human efforts, when centered on self, cannot supply lasting meaning. God allows us to enjoy and steward His gifts, yet He alone satisfies the heart; every other venture, no matter how impressive, ends in futility apart from Him.

Vineyards.--1Chronicles 27:27;Song of Solomon 8:11.