10.28.2004 | A threefold cord is not quickly broken

Ecclesiastes is useful to look at every now and again. Its theme may seem to be nihilistic at first, when it begins with the famous King James Version’s “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity".

But this Wisdom book has a very concrete theme – we are all under God’s judgment, and our lives are in His hands. So, we should, as the old saying goes, “fear the Lord” and do His will. As a reminder, “fear” in the old sense is not just the fear of death and damnation. It is beholding God with the sense of awe and wonder appropriate to our Creator.

In the business of how we may best live in this world, some particular verses for consideration. It is Chapter 4:9-12:

9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Verses 9-11 are plain enough; two are far better than one. It is good to have someone to share life’s burdens. Then there’s the last part of that 12th verse: a threefold cord is not quickly broken. The clear meaning is that there is strength in numbers, and if two are better than one, then three are even better. But, perhaps, this is an echo of the Trinity, the ultimate strength, manifesting through the author of Ecclesiastes?

Just a thought for contemplation.