Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 4:15

15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun , with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.

The general disposition or humour of common People in all Kingdoms, that they are fickle and unconstant, weary of their old Governours, and desirous of changes.

This is a Periphrasis or Description of living and mortal men, like that, Eccles. 7. 11. that see the Sun.

These words may be joyned, either 1. with those, which walk, or, that they walk under the Sun (i. e. upon the Earth) with the second Child, i. e. follow, and favour, and worship him as the rising Sun, upon whom the eyes and hopes of most People are fixed. Or 2. with the first words, I considered all the living which walk under the Sun, i. e. the temper of all Subjects or People, together with the condition of the second Child. Which may be understood either, 1. in general, of a Kings Child, or Son and Heir, who is called Second, in respect of his Father, whose Successor he is to be. Or 2. that wise and poor Child mentioned, v. 13. who is said to come to Reign, v. 14. and may well be called the Second to the old and foolish King who became poor, v. 15. being deposed from his Kingdom, whom he succeeds, being put in his place either by the humour of the People, or by some higher Power.

i. e. Arise to Reign, as that Phrase signifies, Dan. 8. 22, 23. & 11. 2, 3, 7, 20, 21.