Ecclesiastes 9:14

KJV

[There was] a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

KJV (with Strong's)

There was a little {H6996} city {H5892}, and few {H4592} men {H582} within it; and there came {H935} a great {H1419} king {H4428} against it, and besieged {H5437} it, and built {H1129} great {H1419} bulwarks {H4685} against it:

Complete Jewish Bible

there was a small town with few people in it; and a great king came to attack it; he surrounded it and built massive siege-works against it.

Berean Standard Bible

There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it.

American Standard Version

There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 9:14 presents a compelling parabolic scenario, painting a vivid picture of a small, vulnerable city, sparsely populated, facing an overwhelming and meticulously planned siege by a powerful monarch. This stark narrative sets the stage for Qoheleth's profound exploration of the nature and often-underestimated power of wisdom, establishing a dramatic contrast between conventional might and an unexpected means of deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 9:14 serves as a pivotal narrative illustration within Qoheleth's broader philosophical discourse on the unpredictability of life "under the sun" and the limitations of human endeavor. It immediately follows the assertion in [Ecclesiastes 9:11](/ecclesiastes/9-11 "Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Time and Chance Happen to All") that "time and chance happen to them all," and that conventional advantages like swiftness, strength, or wisdom do not guarantee success. This verse functions as a concrete, relatable setup for the subsequent revelation in [Ecclesiastes 9:15](/ecclesiastes/9-15 "Ecclesiastes 9:15 - The Deliverance by Wisdom") and [Ecclesiastes 9:16](/ecclesiastes/9-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:16 - Wisdom Despised"), where an impoverished wise man saves the city only to be forgotten. It is a carefully crafted narrative device, designed to highlight the often-overlooked and undervalued efficacy of wisdom in a world that primarily esteems strength, wealth, and conventional power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a besieged city was a common and terrifying reality throughout the ancient Near East. Cities, typically fortified with walls, served as vital centers of population, commerce, and governance, making their capture a primary objective in warfare. Kings would routinely amass large armies and employ sophisticated siege tactics, including the construction of "bulwarks" (such as siege ramps, towers, or earthen mounds), to overcome formidable fortifications. The description of a "little city" with "few men" within it starkly underscores its inherent vulnerability and desperate situation in an era where military might determined survival and dominance. This scenario would have been immediately recognizable and deeply resonant with Qoheleth's audience, making the subsequent unexpected twist in the narrative even more impactful and thought-provoking.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces the theme of **vulnerability versus overwhelming power**, establishing a stark and dramatic contrast between the "little city" and the "great king." This sets the stage for the subsequent exploration of **wisdom's unexpected efficacy**, demonstrating that conventional strength, numerical superiority, or material resources are not the sole determinants of victory or survival. The detailed description of the siege highlights the **grim realities of ancient conflict** and the seemingly insurmountable circumstances the city faced, thereby magnifying the impact of the wise man's intervention in [Ecclesiastes 9:15](/ecclesiastes/9-15 "Ecclesiastes 9:15 - The Deliverance by Wisdom"). Ultimately, this verse serves as a crucial **prelude to the exaltation of wisdom**, even when it is undervalued or forgotten by society, a recurring motif not only in Ecclesiastes but also in other wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 24:5](/proverbs/24-5 "Proverbs 24:5 - A Wise Man is Strong").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **little (Hebrew, _qâṭân'_):** H6996, meaning "abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)." This word emphasizes the city's inherent insignificance and weakness, not merely in physical dimensions but also in its capacity to mount an effective defense. It immediately establishes the overwhelming odds against the city, making the subsequent intervention of wisdom all the more remarkable and counterintuitive.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** H1419, meaning "great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent." Used twice in the verse ("great king," "great bulwarks"), this word highlights the formidable nature of the adversary and the immense scale of the threat. It conveys power, authority, and overwhelming force, intensifying the dramatic contrast with the "little city" and its "few men."
* **bulwarks (Hebrew, _mâtsôwd'_):** H4685, meaning "a net (for capturing animals or fishes); a fastness or (besieging) tower; bulwark, hold, munition, net, snare." This term specifically refers to the substantial siege works, such as siege towers, ramps, or fortified mounds, constructed by the attacking army. Its inclusion paints a vivid picture of the king's methodical, determined, and well-resourced approach to conquest, indicating a comprehensive and seemingly inescapable assault rather than a mere skirmish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was a little city, and few men within it;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the setting and the dire circumstances. The phrase "little city" signifies its vulnerability and insignificance, while "few men within it" underscores its severe lack of defensive capability and numerical disadvantage against any significant threat. This sets a tone of helplessness and impending doom, creating a scenario of extreme imbalance.
* **"and there came a great king against it,":** This introduces the antagonist and the catalyst for the conflict. The "great king" represents overwhelming power, absolute authority, and formidable military might. His coming "against it" signals an aggressive, deliberate act of conquest, highlighting the city's complete lack of agency or ability to resist in the face of such a formidable foe.
* **"and besieged it,":** This action describes the king's strategic move to isolate and overpower the city. A siege implies cutting off supplies, preventing escape, and systematically weakening the city's defenses, indicating a prolonged, relentless, and suffocating assault designed to force submission through attrition and overwhelming pressure.
* **"and built great bulwarks against it:":** This final clause details the king's extensive and sophisticated preparations for the final assault. "Great bulwarks" refers to massive siege engines, ramps, or fortifications constructed to breach the city's walls and overcome its defenses. This emphasizes the king's determination, vast resources, and the seemingly insurmountable nature of the attack, leaving the reader with a strong sense of the city's inevitable and complete fall.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 9:14 functions primarily as a **Parable** or **Allegory**, presenting a narrative that, while not necessarily a historical event, illustrates a deeper, universal truth about life and the unexpected efficacy of wisdom. The specific details of the "little city," the "great king," and the "bulwarks" are symbolic, representing universal human experiences of vulnerability and facing overwhelming odds. There is a strong use of **Contrast**, evident in the immediate juxtaposition of the "little city" with "few men" against the "great king" and his "great bulwarks." This stark opposition highlights the immense disparity in power and resources, emphasizing the seemingly hopeless situation. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, meticulously building a dire and seemingly insurmountable scenario to prepare the reader for the unexpected resolution in the subsequent verses, where the true, often-overlooked value of wisdom will be revealed as the surprising means of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This parable, though seemingly bleak in its initial depiction, serves a crucial theological purpose: to underscore that human strength, numbers, and material resources are often profoundly insufficient in the face of life's overwhelming challenges. It subtly points to a higher, often-unconventional form of power—wisdom—which, though frequently overlooked or undervalued by the world, can provide deliverance where conventional means utterly fail. This aligns with a broader biblical theme that God often chooses to use the weak, the few, and the unexpected to accomplish His purposes, thereby demonstrating that true power and ultimate victory reside not in human might or worldly schemes but in divine wisdom and intervention. The dire scenario in Ecclesiastes 9:14 sets the stage for a profound reflection on where true security and salvation are found, challenging the world's conventional understanding of success and strength.

* [Proverbs 21:22](/proverbs/21-22 "Proverbs 21:22 - A Wise Man Scales a City") - "A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust."
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power") - "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak to Shame the Strong") - "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 9:14, despite describing an ancient siege, resonates deeply with the contemporary human experience. We frequently find ourselves in "little cities," facing "great kings" in the form of overwhelming challenges: be they financial crises, debilitating health battles, complex relational breakdowns, systemic societal injustices, or profound personal doubts. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that relying solely on our limited resources, individual strength, or numerical advantages is often insufficient to overcome such formidable obstacles. It compels us to look beyond conventional solutions and to consider the often-underestimated power of wisdom, insight, and strategic thinking. While the immediate context of Ecclesiastes points to human wisdom, the spiritual application extends profoundly to seeking divine wisdom and guidance when confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It encourages us to cultivate a mindset that values intellect, discernment, and spiritual insight over brute force or material accumulation, fostering hope that even in the most desperate situations, an unexpected, God-given solution may arise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "little cities" in your life currently feel besieged by "great kings" (overwhelming problems or forces that seem insurmountable)?**
* **In what ways do you tend to rely primarily on conventional strength, personal resources, or human logic when facing significant challenges, rather than seeking wisdom or unconventional, divinely-inspired solutions?**
* **How does this verse challenge your perception of what constitutes true power, effective problem-solving, or ultimate victory in life's battles?**
* **What might it look like to intentionally seek and apply wisdom—both human and divine—rather than just brute force or sheer effort, in a current difficult situation you are facing?**

### FAQ
**Is the story of the little city in Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 a historical account?**

Answer: While the narrative is presented with vivid and compelling detail, most biblical scholars view the account in Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 as a parable or an illustrative story rather than a record of a specific historical event. Qoheleth, the author of Ecclesiastes, frequently employs such scenarios and vignettes to convey deeper philosophical and theological truths about life "under the sun." The primary purpose of this narrative is not to record history but to set up a powerful demonstration of wisdom's often-overlooked value, especially when contrasted with physical strength or material wealth, as further highlighted in [Ecclesiastes 9:16](/ecclesiastes/9-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:16 - Wisdom Despised"). The deliberate lack of specific names for the city or the king further supports its parabolic nature, making it a timeless illustration applicable to all generations and circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly hopeless scenario of the "little city" besieged by a "great king" finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, was precisely like that "little city"—utterly vulnerable, weak, and besieged by the overwhelming "great king" of sin, death, and the malevolent powers of darkness ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World")). Conventional human efforts, like the "few men" in the city, were utterly insufficient to overcome this spiritual siege and secure deliverance. Yet, into this desperate and seemingly insurmountable situation came Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of God's perfect wisdom and divine power ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). He did not come with physical armies, nor did He build "great bulwarks" of worldly power or earthly might. Instead, He came in profound humility, born into a "little" and often despised town ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?")), and accomplished His saving work through a seemingly weak and foolish act of self-sacrifice on the cross. Through this very act, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them decisively ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His victory, achieved not through conventional might but through divine wisdom, sacrificial love, and perfect obedience, ultimately delivers those who were besieged by sin and death, offering true freedom, eternal life, and reconciliation with God. Thus, the parable in Ecclesiastes 9:14 powerfully foreshadows the unexpected, counter-intuitive salvation wrought by God's wisdom in Christ, who, though appearing weak in the eyes of the world, proved to be the mighty and all-sufficient deliverer of all who place their trust in Him ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser than Men")).

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

2 Kings 6:24

¶ And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

2 Kings 7:20

And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died.

2 Samuel 20:15

And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that [were] with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

2 Samuel 20:22

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.