Bible Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:4

Ecclesiastes 8:4

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

Where the word of a king [is, there is] power,.... Or "dominion" . Authority goes along with his word of command; and there is an inferior magistracy, a subordinate power under him, ready to execute his will upon the rebellious and disobedient.

Jarchi interprets it, the word of the holy blessed God; and the Targum, the word of that King who rules over all the world; where his word of doctrine comes, not in word only, it is with power: his written word is quick and powerful; the word of his Gospel preached is the power of God to salvation; or is accompanied with power to enlighten dark minds, quicken dead sinners, unstop deaf ears, soften hard hearts, and deliver men from the slavery of sin and Satan; it makes men, of enemies, friends to God, Christ, and good men; transforms them by the renewing of their minds, and comforts and establishes saints; all which is attributed to the word; and are the effects of almighty power, ; his word of command also comes with power, being clothed with his authority; and is submitted to by his people in the day of his power upon them, who readily and cheerfully obey it;and who may say unto him, what dost thou?

call him to an account for, or complain of any of his works of creation, providence, or grace?

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