Ecclesiastes 8:2

KJV

I [counsel thee] to keep the king's commandment, and [that] in regard of the oath of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

I counsel thee to keep {H8104} the king's {H4428} commandment {H6310}, and that in regard {H1700} of the oath {H7621} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep the king's command because of the oath before God.

Berean Standard Bible

Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.

American Standard Version

I counsel thee, Keep the king’s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 8:2 offers profound counsel on civic responsibility, urging the reader to obey the king's commands. This obedience is not presented as a mere political expediency but is elevated to a sacred obligation, grounded "in regard of the oath of God." The verse thus intertwines practical wisdom for navigating earthly authority with a deep theological principle, suggesting that civil order and submission to established governance are part of a divinely sanctioned framework.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 8:2 is situated within Qoheleth's broader exploration of wisdom, justice, and the complexities of life "under the sun." Following reflections on the limitations of human wisdom and the inevitability of death in Ecclesiastes 7, Qoheleth shifts to practical advice for navigating a world often marked by injustice and unpredictability. This verse, specifically, falls within a section (Ecclesiastes 8:1-8) that addresses the proper conduct in the presence of a king and the challenges of understanding divine timing and judgment. It serves as a pragmatic instruction for living wisely and safely within the existing power structures, acknowledging the king's authority while subtly alluding to a higher divine order.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings held immense power, often considered divinely appointed or even divine themselves. Their word was law, and disobedience could lead to severe consequences. The concept of a "king's commandment" (Ecclesiastes 8:2) would have been understood as an absolute decree. The phrase "the oath of God" is particularly significant. It could refer to an oath of allegiance sworn by subjects to their king before God, or it could allude to a covenant God made with the king (as with the Davidic covenant), or more broadly, to God's established order for human governance. In a society where the lines between religious and civil authority were often blurred, honoring the king was frequently seen as honoring the divine order.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Ecclesiastes and broader biblical theology.
* **Obedience to Authority:** The primary instruction is to "keep the king's commandment." This theme underscores the importance of respecting and adhering to the laws and directives of earthly rulers. Qoheleth, through this counsel, advocates for societal stability and personal well-being by acknowledging the necessity of civil order. It is a pragmatic piece of wisdom for navigating life's realities, where disrespect for authority often leads to adverse outcomes.
* **Divine Mandate for Obedience:** The profound phrase "in regard of the oath of God" elevates civil obedience beyond mere human convention or fear of punishment. It implies that allegiance to governing authority is not just a civic duty but is rooted in a sacred principle or a divinely established covenant. This could refer to an oath of loyalty made by the subject, the king's own covenant with God to rule justly, or, most broadly, God's inherent establishment of governing authority as part of His created order. This concept finds echoes in the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to submit to governing authorities because they are appointed by God, as seen in [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities").
* **Wisdom in Governance and Followership:** The verse subtly touches upon the wisdom required for both leaders and those under authority. For the subject, it's about understanding the divine basis for order and acting prudently. For the king, it serves as an implicit reminder of accountability to the divine source of their authority, even if not explicitly stated in this verse. This theme aligns with Qoheleth's overarching pursuit of practical wisdom for living a meaningful life in a complex world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This verb means to guard, protect, observe, or attend to. It implies a careful, diligent adherence to something, not merely a casual acknowledgment. In the context of "keeping the king's commandment," it signifies a conscientious and active obedience, as one would guard a precious possession or observe a sacred duty.
* **commandment (Hebrew, _peh'_):** Literally meaning "mouth," this word is often used metaphorically to refer to speech, utterance, or a spoken decree. Thus, "the king's commandment" is not just a general rule but a direct, authoritative word or instruction issued from the king's mouth, demanding strict compliance.
* **regard (Hebrew, _dibrâh'_):** Derived from the word for "word" or "matter," _dibrâh_ here signifies "on account of," "by reason of," or "in the matter of." It functions as a causal preposition, indicating that the reason or basis for keeping the king's commandment is "the oath of God." This word is crucial for understanding the theological foundation of the counsel.
* **oath (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwʻâh'_):** This term refers to something sworn, a solemn declaration or promise, often made under divine witness or sanction. When combined with "of God," it indicates a sacred, binding commitment or a divinely established principle. It transforms the king's decree from a purely human ordinance into one with a profound spiritual dimension.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This is the plural form of the common Hebrew word for God, often used to refer to the supreme God of Israel. Its presence here signifies that the "oath" is divinely sanctioned, originating from or witnessed by the ultimate divine authority, lending ultimate weight to the counsel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment":** This opening clause presents a direct, practical instruction from Qoheleth to the reader. It is an exhortation to civil obedience, emphasizing the importance of respecting and adhering to the decrees issued by the reigning monarch. The use of "counsel" (implied by the KJV translation of the verb "keep") suggests a wise recommendation for navigating life safely and prudently within established societal structures. It highlights the necessity of order and the potential dangers of rebellion or disregard for authority.
* **"and that in regard of the oath of God":** This second clause provides the profound theological justification for the preceding counsel. The phrase "in regard of" (from _dibrâh_) indicates the reason or basis for obedience. The "oath of God" is the ultimate ground for keeping the king's commandment. This can be interpreted in several ways: it might refer to an oath of allegiance sworn by the subject before God; it could allude to a covenant God made with the king to rule justly; or, most broadly and likely, it points to God's inherent establishment of governmental authority as part of His divine order for humanity. Regardless of the specific interpretation, this clause elevates civil obedience from a mere civic duty to a sacred obligation, implying that submission to legitimate earthly authority is ultimately an act of reverence toward God Himself, who ordains all authority.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 8:2 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Didacticism** is central, as Qoheleth directly instructs the reader, offering practical wisdom for living. The verse functions as an **ethical imperative**, a clear command for behavior, emphasizing the importance of obedience. The phrase "the oath of God" serves as a powerful instance of **theological grounding**, providing a divine basis for an otherwise secular command. This elevates the instruction beyond mere human prudence to a matter of spiritual significance. Furthermore, there is a subtle **juxtaposition** of earthly authority (the king) with ultimate divine authority (God), demonstrating that even the most powerful human ruler operates under a higher, sacred sanction. This interplay underscores the verse's blend of pragmatic advice and profound theological insight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 8:2 profoundly connects to the broader biblical theology of authority, divine sovereignty, and human responsibility. It articulates the principle that all legitimate authority, including that of earthly rulers, ultimately derives from God. This perspective transforms civil obedience from a pragmatic necessity into a spiritual duty, rooted in the understanding that God establishes order and governance for the well-being of humanity. While Qoheleth does not explicitly address the limits of obedience in cases of tyrannical rule, the verse's emphasis on the "oath of God" implies that even kings are accountable to a higher power, and thus, obedience is always ultimately in submission to God's ordained order, not to human caprice. This theological framework encourages believers to be responsible citizens, recognizing God's hand in the establishment of governing structures.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submit to Every Human Institution")
* [Proverbs 24:21](/proverbs/24-21 "Proverbs 24:21 - Fear the Lord and the King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 8:2 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary believers. It calls us to embody responsible citizenship, understanding that our obedience to the laws and authorities of our land is not merely a civic obligation but an act of reverence toward God, who establishes all authority. This perspective encourages us to contribute positively to societal order, to pray for our leaders, and to uphold the rule of law, recognizing that stable governance is often a means by which God preserves peace and justice. While acknowledging that there may be extreme circumstances where human law directly contradicts divine law, the general principle remains: a wise and faithful person seeks to honor God by honoring the authorities He has permitted to be in place. This means actively participating in society, paying taxes, respecting laws, and seeking the welfare of our communities, all as an expression of our ultimate allegiance to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "oath of God" change your perspective on civic duty and obedience to authority?**
* **In what ways can believers today demonstrate both submission to earthly authorities and ultimate allegiance to God?**
* **What are the practical implications of viewing civil obedience as a spiritual act in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "the oath of God" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the oath of God" (Ecclesiastes 8:2) is open to several interpretations, each carrying significant theological weight. It could refer to: 1) An oath of allegiance sworn by subjects to their king, with God as the witness, thereby making it a sacred vow. 2) A covenant God made with the king himself, obligating the king to rule justly and the people to obey. 3) Most broadly and commonly understood, it refers to God's inherent establishment of governing authority as part of His divine order for humanity. In this view, God has ordained human government to maintain order and justice, and therefore, submission to legitimate authority is an act of obedience to God's design. This interpretation aligns with later biblical teachings, such as Paul's declaration in [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities") that "there is no authority except that which God has established."

**Does this verse imply absolute obedience to all rulers, even unjust ones?**

Answer: While Ecclesiastes 8:2 strongly advocates for obedience to the king's commandment, it does not necessarily imply absolute obedience in all circumstances, particularly when human law directly contradicts God's higher law. The verse emphasizes the divine basis for authority ("the oath of God"), suggesting that even the king is ultimately accountable to God. Throughout Scripture, there are instances where individuals, out of faithfulness to God, defied human authorities (e.g., the Hebrew midwives in [Exodus 1:17](/exodus/1-17 "Exodus 1:17 - The Hebrew Midwives Defy Pharaoh") or Peter's declaration in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - We Must Obey God Rather Than Men"), "We must obey God rather than human beings"). Ecclesiastes 8:2 primarily teaches the general principle of submission to established order as part of God's design for society, but it does not negate the ultimate allegiance owed to God when human commands directly violate divine ones.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 8:2, with its counsel to "keep the king's commandment... in regard of the oath of God," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Himself exemplified perfect submission to both divine and human authority, even to the point of death on a cross. He taught His disciples to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" ([Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar What Is Caesar's")), acknowledging the legitimacy of earthly rule while prioritizing ultimate allegiance to God. The "oath of God" finds its ultimate expression and fulfillment in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, where God's sovereign rule is perfectly revealed through His Son. Jesus is the true King, the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), to whom all earthly authority is ultimately subordinate and by whom all authority is truly established ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). For the believer, obedience to earthly authorities, when not in direct contradiction to God's commands, becomes an act of worship and testimony to the reign of Christ, demonstrating that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship Is in Heaven")), and our earthly conduct reflects the values of His eternal Kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 2:43

Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?

Proverbs 24:21

¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:

Titus 3:1

¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

1 Chronicles 29:24

And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.

2 Samuel 21:7

But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that [was] between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

1 Peter 2:13

¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.