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Adam Clarke on Ecclesiastes 8:2

Commentary and Critical Notes. Browse this work.

Ecclesiastes8:2

To keep the king's commandment - This sentence would be better translated, I keep the mouth of the king; I take good heed not to meddle with state secrets; and if I know, to hide them. Or, I am obedient to the commands of the laws; I feel myself bound by whatever the king has decreed.

In regard of the oath of God - You have sworn obedience to him; keep your oath, for the engagement was made in the presence of God. It appears that the Jewish princes and chiefs took an oath of fidelity to their kings. This appears to have been done to David, 2Sam 5:1-3; to Joash, 2Kgs 11:17; and to Solomon, 1Chr 29:24.

Adam Clarke, Commentary and Critical Notes, Ecclesiastes 8:2. Public domain.

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