Introduction

This verse presents a poignant meditation on the futility of riches when the power to enjoy them is absent. The preacher of Ecclesiastes reflects on the paradox of prosperity and its inherent emptiness without the means to relish its fruits. Our analysis draws from respected public domain commentaries to unpack its profound implications for both the ancient and contemporary audiences.

Wealth and its Limitations

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry emphasizes that wealth is a gift from God, yet it carries the burden of not being enjoyed by the rich man. He observes that it is common for the wealthy to desire satisfaction through their riches but be unable to partake in their own bounty. This commentary reveals the inherent irony of material possessions, suggesting that even the most affluent person can become a victim of his own wealth.

Albert Barnes Commentary: Barnes aligns with this concept, highlighting that despite being blessed with resources, one's inability to enjoy them renders the accumulation of wealth meaningless. He reflects on how often riches can lead to enslavement rather than liberty, emphasizing the moral and spiritual bankruptcy that often accompanies greed.

Adam Clarke's Commentary: Clarke notes that the inability to enjoy wealth is a significant moral lesson: true satisfaction comes not from material wealth but from one’s relationship with God. He suggests that even those who do not labor may enjoy the fruits of a rich man’s labor, presenting a stark commentary on the transient nature of possessions.

The Sovereignty of God

This verse also touches upon the sovereignty of God in the distribution of pleasure derived from riches. All three commentators outline how such experiences are within God's control, reinforcing the belief that He withholds enjoyment for a purpose.

• Matthew Henry: He asserts that God retains ultimate authority over what a man may possess and enjoy. Wealth without the pleasure of consumption serves as a reminder of humanity’s dependence on divine providence.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes posits that the enjoyment of wealth can be seen as part of God's timing and blessing. The lack of enjoyment, therefore, might serve as a divine teaching tool, directing individuals to a deeper understanding of their purpose beyond material acquisitions.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke encourages further reflection on how wealth impacts spiritual growth. He suggests that unfulfilled desires can lead one to seek solace in a more profound relationship with the Creator, challenging readers to question their priorities.

The Foreign Enjoyer

A significant aspect of Ecclesiastes 6:2 is the mention of a foreigner enjoying the wealth that a rich man cannot. This introduces themes of transience and the shared human experience of joy that transcends material boundaries.

• Matthew Henry: He interprets the foreigner as symbolic of those who might not even be entitled to the richness yet find joy in their simple existence. This calls into question the so-called entitlements we ascribe to wealth.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes implies that this dynamic reflects the moral order wherein wealth may pass from those who cannot appreciate it to those who can, thus revealing a greater cosmic justice at play.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke argues that the foreigner’s enjoyment underlines the arbitrary nature of wealth distribution, and reminds us of the fleeting joy that wealth can induce, independent of ownership.

Vanity and Worthlessness

Ultimately, this verse culminates in the proclamation of vanity surrounding wealth. The term 'vanity' encapsulates the essence of Ecclesiastes - the transient and often futile pursuit of worldly pleasures.

• Matthew Henry: He reflects on the overarching message of Ecclesiastes that life's pursuits are often vaporous unless anchored in a relationship with God.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes extends this idea to the broader context of human experience, suggesting that wealth cannot provide lasting fulfillment or meaning apart from divine blessing.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke encourages readers to confront the existential questions posited by this expression of vanity, urging them to seek deeper satisfaction founded in spiritual, not material, realities.

Practical Applications

The insights gleaned from Ecclesiastes 6:2 challenge contemporary readers to reassess their attitudes toward wealth and fulfillment:

• Reflection on God's Sovereignty: As believers, it is vital to acknowledge the sovereignty of God over our lives, including our finances.
• Learning Contentment: There is a strong call to seek contentment in what God has provided rather than in the accumulation of material wealth.
• Emphasis on Relationships over Possessions: The encouragement to invest in relationships and spiritual growth rather than merely material gains is a consistent theme through this commentary.
• Recognizing the Transience of Wealth: Wealth is fleeting. This verse reminds us of the need to focus on eternal values rather than temporal riches.

Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 6:2 serves as a profound reminder of the complexities surrounding wealth. Through the combined insights of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we confront the paradox of riches unaccompanied by joy. The enduring lessons transcend generations, beckoning us to contemplate deeper truths about God’s will, the use of our resources, and the nature of true fulfillment.