The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:12

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

Man also knoweth not his time; Vulgate, Neseit homo finem suum, understanding "his time" to mean his death-hour; but it may include any misfortune or accident. The particle gam, "also," or "even," belongs to "his time." Not only are results out of man's control (Ecclesiastes 9:11), but his life is in higher hands, and he is never sure of a day. As the fishes that are taken in an evil net, etc. The suddenness and unforeseen nature of calamities that befall men are here expressed by two forcible similes (comp. Proverbs 7:23; Ezekiel 12:13; Ezekiel 32:3). Thus Homer ('Iliad,' 5.487)—

"Beware lest ye, as in the meshes caught

Of some wide-sweeping net, become the prey

And booty of your foes."

(Derby.)

So are the sons of men snared in an evil time. Men are suddenly overtaken by calamity, which they are totally unable to foresee or provide against. Our Lord says (Luke 21:35) that the last day shall come as a snare on all that dwell in the earth (comp. Ezekiel 7:7, Ezekiel 7:12).

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