Ecclesiastes 8:2

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:2 offers a profound piece of wisdom regarding civil obedience, linking it directly to divine reverence. The verse counsels the reader to respect and follow the directives of the king, not merely out of fear or political expediency, but because of a sacred obligation, referred to as "the oath of God."

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) where the Preacher, or Qoheleth, explores the complexities of life, wisdom, and folly, particularly in relation to authority and justice. Having previously pondered the fleeting nature of life and the limitations of human wisdom, Qoheleth here turns to practical advice for navigating the world, specifically concerning one's relationship with governing powers. The preceding verses often highlight the unpredictable nature of life and the difficulty of truly understanding God's ways, making the call for obedience to established order even more significant in a world full of uncertainties.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Authority: The primary instruction is to "keep the king's commandment." This theme emphasizes the importance of respecting earthly rulers and their laws. It suggests that a wise person understands the necessity of civil order for societal stability and personal well-being.
  • Divine Mandate for Obedience: The phrase "in regard of the oath of God" elevates civil obedience beyond mere human convention. It implies that allegiance to the king or governing authority is not just a civic duty but is rooted in a divine principle or a sacred covenant. This could refer to:
    • An oath of allegiance made by the subject before God.
    • The king's own covenant with God to rule justly.
    • God's established order for human governance itself, which should be honored. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, such as when Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities because they are appointed by God.
  • Wisdom in Governance: The verse also subtly touches on the wisdom required in leadership and followership. For the subject, it's about understanding the divine basis for order; for the king, it's a reminder of accountability to God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the oath of God" (Hebrew: shebu'ah Elohim) is central to the verse's meaning. An "oath" in biblical context is a solemn declaration, often involving a divine witness or sanction. Here, it transforms a simple command into a divinely sanctioned obligation. It suggests a binding covenant or a divinely established principle that underpins the king's authority or the subject's loyalty. This isn't just about human law, but about a sacred commitment or the divine order of things.

Practical Application

For a modern audience, Ecclesiastes 8:2 offers timeless wisdom. It encourages believers to be good citizens, respecting the laws and authorities of their land, provided those laws do not contradict God's higher law. The verse reminds us that true submission to authority, when that authority operates within God's broad design, is ultimately an act of reverence towards God Himself. It calls us to consider the spiritual dimension of our civic duties, understanding that order and stability are often part of God's plan for society. This perspective encourages responsible citizenship, prayer for leaders, and upholding the rule of law, recognizing that God has established various forms of authority in the world, as also seen in 1 Peter 2:13-14.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 2:43 (4 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 24:21 (3 votes)

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

  • Titus 3:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 2:17 (2 votes)

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