The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Where the word of a king is, there is power. A further confirmation of the last thought. More accurately, "Inasmuch as the word of a king is powerful" (shilton, Ecclesiastes 8:8). This last word is used in Daniel (Daniel 3:2) for "a lord," or "ruler."

The king does as he thinks fit because his mandate is all-powerful, and must be obeyed, And who may say unto him, What doest thou? The same expression is found applied to God (Job 9:12; Isaiah 45:9; Wis.

12:12). The absolute authority of a despot is spoken of in the same terms as the irresistible power of Almighty God. εἰκὼν δὲ βασιλεύς ἐστιν ἔμψυχος θεοῦ. "God's living image is an earthly king."

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