Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 3:1

1 TO every thing there is a season , and a time to every purpose under heaven.

A certain time appointed by God for its being and continuance, which no humane Wit or Providence can prevent or alter. And by vertue of this Appointment or Decree of God, all the vicissitudes and changes which happen in the world, whether comforts or calamities, do come to pass. Which is here added partly to prove what he last said, Ch. 2. 24, 26. that both the free and comfortable enjoyment of the Creatures which some have, and the crosses and vexations which others have with them, are from the hand and counsel of God: partly to prove the principal Proposition of the Book, that all things below are vain, and Happiness is not to be found in them, because of their great uncertainty, and mutability, and transitoriness, and because they are so much out of the reach and power of Men, and wholly in the disposal of another, to wit, God, who doth either give or take them away, either sweeten or imbitter them, as it pleaseth him; and partly to bring the minds of men into a quiet and chearful dependance upon Gods Providence, and submission to his Will, and a state of preparation for all events.

Or, will or desire, to wit, of man. To all mens designs, attempts and businesses. Not only natural, but even the free and voluntary actions of men, are ordered and disposed by God to accomplish his own purpose. But it must be considered, that he doth not here speak of a time allowed by God wherein all the following things may lawfully be done, which is wholly besides his scope and business, but only of a time fixed by God, in which they would or should be done.