I made gardens and parks for myselfThis phrase reflects the personal ambition and pursuit of pleasure by the author, traditionally understood to be King Solomon. The creation of gardens and parks signifies a desire for beauty, luxury, and a controlled environment, which was a common pursuit among ancient Near Eastern kings. The mention of "for myself" highlights the self-centered nature of these endeavors, emphasizing the theme of vanity and the fleeting nature of earthly accomplishments found throughout Ecclesiastes. This pursuit of personal satisfaction contrasts with the biblical call to seek fulfillment in God rather than in material or earthly achievements.
where I planted all kinds of fruit trees
The planting of "all kinds of fruit trees" suggests a diversity and abundance that reflects the wealth and resources available to Solomon. Fruit trees were a symbol of prosperity and blessing in the ancient world, often associated with the Promised Land, described as a land flowing with milk and honey. This imagery connects to the Garden of Eden, where God provided a variety of trees for Adam and Eve, symbolizing divine provision and abundance. The act of planting also implies a sense of ownership and control over nature, which can be seen as a metaphor for human attempts to find meaning and satisfaction apart from God. This phrase invites reflection on the futility of seeking ultimate fulfillment in earthly pleasures and possessions, a central theme in Ecclesiastes.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including gardens and parks.
2.
Gardens and ParksThese are the physical manifestations of Solomon's efforts to find meaning and satisfaction through his own achievements and pleasures.
3.
Fruit TreesSymbolic of prosperity and abundance, these trees represent the culmination of Solomon's labor and the natural beauty he sought to create.
Teaching Points
The Pursuit of PleasureSolomon's creation of gardens and parks illustrates the human tendency to seek fulfillment in earthly pleasures and accomplishments. However, true satisfaction is found in God alone.
The Temporary Nature of Earthly AchievementsWhile Solomon's projects were grand, they were ultimately temporary. This reminds us to focus on eternal values rather than transient successes.
Stewardship of CreationSolomon's interest in nature can inspire us to appreciate and care for God's creation, recognizing our role as stewards of the earth.
Contentment in God's ProvisionThe contrast between Solomon's efforts and God's provision in Eden encourages us to find contentment in what God provides, rather than striving for more.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 2:5?
2.How does Ecclesiastes 2:5 reflect the pursuit of earthly achievements and pleasures?
3.What does "made gardens and parks" reveal about Solomon's priorities and values?
4.How can Ecclesiastes 2:5 guide us in balancing work and spiritual life?
5.Compare Solomon's pursuits in Ecclesiastes 2:5 with Jesus' teachings on treasures in heaven.
6.How can we apply the lessons from Ecclesiastes 2:5 to modern materialism?
7.What does Ecclesiastes 2:5 reveal about the pursuit of material wealth and happiness?
8.How does Ecclesiastes 2:5 challenge the belief in lasting satisfaction from earthly achievements?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Ecclesiastes 2:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2?
11.What defines spiritual sickness?
12.In Ecclesiastes 2:4-6, where is the archaeological or historical evidence for the massive building projects claimed?
13.Ecclesiastes 5:2 says 'God is in heaven,' but how does this reconcile with modern astronomy that finds no physical location called 'heaven'?
14.If some scholars argue that Ecclesiastes was written well after Solomon's era, can the book's claimed authorship be historically trusted?What Does Ecclesiastes 2:5 Mean
I made• The verse opens with personal initiative: “I made.” Solomon is recalling deliberate, hands-on effort, echoing his God-given wisdom and resources (1 Kings 4:29) used to pursue satisfaction.
• Like the Creator who “made the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 2:3), Solomon mirrors divine activity, yet on a human scale. His self-directed projects remind us that human industry, even when impressive, remains secondary to God’s works (Psalm 127:1).
gardens• “Gardens” recalls paradise imagery: “And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden” (Genesis 2:8). Solomon’s gardens attempt to recreate that lost delight.
•Isaiah 58:11 promises, “You will be like a well-watered garden,” linking spiritual vitality with cultivated beauty. Solomon sought outward beauty; only God supplies inner refreshment.
and parks• Beyond private gardens, “parks” (large orchards or groves) show grandeur.Nehemiah 2:8 records royal forests; Solomon’s parks likely resembled those lush reserves.
• These expansive landscapes anticipate the prophecy, “The desert will become a lush garden” (Isaiah 35:1-2), yet Solomon’s version remains earthly and temporary.
for myself• The reflexive phrase exposes motive: personal pleasure. CompareLuke 12:19, where the rich fool says, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy.” Self-centered accumulation leaves the soul empty.
• Jesus counters with, “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33), revealing the limitation of projects done “for myself.”
where I planted• Planting denotes careful cultivation, echoed inJeremiah 17:8: “He will be like a tree planted by the waters.” Solomon’s labor was real and skillful, affirming that work itself is good (Genesis 2:15).
• Yet Ecclesiastes later observes, “What does a worker gain from his toil?” (Ecclesiastes 3:9), highlighting toil’s inability to secure lasting meaning apart from God.
all kinds of fruit trees• Variety underscores abundance.1 Kings 4:33 notes Solomon’s knowledge “about trees, from the cedar… to the hyssop.” His collection celebrated creation’s diversity.
• Still,Galatians 5:22 points to the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace—as the harvest God values, contrasting external orchards with inner produce.
summarySolomon’s grand horticultural achievements illustrate humanity’s quest to recreate Edenic delight through personal effort and self-indulgence. While gardens, parks, and orchards showcase God-given creativity and can be enjoyed gratefully, Ecclesiastes exposes their insufficiency to satisfy the heart. True fulfillment arises not from works done “for myself” but from abiding in the Lord, whose lasting fruit fills both time and eternity.
(5)
Orchards.--Rather,
parks.The word, which occurs also in
Song of Solomon 4:3,
Nehemiah 2:8, is originally Persian, and passed into the Greek and into modern languages in the form of "paradise" (
Luke 23:43;
2Corinthians 12:4; and in LXX.,
Genesis 2:10;
Genesis 13:10;
Numbers 24:6;
Isaiah 1:30;
Ecclesiasticus 24:30; Susan. 5:4). Parks and trees giving, not only fruit, but shade from the hot Eastern sun, were an almost necessary part of kingly luxury. The king's garden is spoken of in
1Kings 21:2;
2Kings 21:18;
2Kings 25:4;
Nehemiah 3:15. . . .
Verse 5. -
I made me gardens and orchards. Solomon's love of gardens appears throughout the Canticles (
Song of Solomon 6:2, etc.). He had a king's garden on the slope of the hills south of the city (
2 Kings 25:4); and Beth-hacchemm, "the House of the Vine," at Ain Karim, about six miles east of Jerusalem (
Jeremiah 6:1); and at Baal-hamon another extensive vineyard (
Song of Solomon 8:11). The word rendered "orchard" (
parder) occurs also in
Song of Solomon 4:13 and
Nehemiah 2:8. It is a Persian word, and passed into the Greek form
παράδειος (Xenophon, 'Anab.,' 1:2.7), meaning "a park" planted with forest and fruit trees, and containing herds of animals. It is probably derived from the Zend
oairidaeza," an enclosure." (For the trees in such parks, see
Song of Solomon 4:13, 14; and for an estimate of Solomon's works, Josephus, 'Ant.,' 8:07. 3.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
I madeעָשִׂ֣יתִי(‘ā·śî·ṯî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makemyselfלִ֔י(lî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewgardensגַּנּ֖וֹת(gan·nō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1593:A gardenand parksוּפַרְדֵּסִ֑ים(ū·p̄ar·dê·sîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6508:A preserve, parkand plantedוְנָטַ֥עְתִּי(wə·nā·ṭa‘·tî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5193:To strike in, fix, to plantin themבָהֶ֖ם(ḇā·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewall kindsכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyof fruitפֶּֽרִי׃(pe·rî)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6529:Fruittrees.עֵ֥ץ(‘êṣ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, wood
Links
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:5 I made myself gardens and parks (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
