Ecclesiastes 3:14-15
14 I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.
15 That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past.
fear (v.14) = reverence and awesome regard.
The conclusion that is offered in verses 14-15 has been carefully formulated. All of the preceding observations concerning God’s supreme control over all things lead the Preacher to advance a final conclusion. When man realizes that everything God does is unchangeable and compares the vanity and uncertainty of his efforts with those of God, he is forced to accept the conclusion of the Preacher: God must be feared! All of the exercising of man is directed toward the accomplishment of that fear in the heart of man. The fear of God alone makes possible that fruitful and filial relationship between God and man that leads man to the good and profitable life. Properly understood, fear is that attribute of humanity that opens the mind of man to the reality that everything depends upon God’s achievements. — KJV Commentary, page 740.
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The immutability and unchangeableness of God’s actions and purposes awaken reverential fear and holy love and worship in all who are born of the Spirit. This consolation is deepened by the added statement that God will bring again that which is passed away; or, as some translate the Hebrew text, He will vindicate those whom men have condemned because of their obedience to His laws. The principle underlying either translation is the same: viz, that man cannot thwart God’s plans; they are certain of fulfilment. — Williams, page 441.
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There are many things that we do not know. But one thing we DO know is that God is in control. Even if it may not appear so to us, we can be assured that God is … directing history to its divinely ordained end for His glory. This should be especially comforting to believers in Christ who are assured that God is working everything out for god according to His will (Romans 8:28). — Grace
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[Verse 15 is] a repeat of 1:9, but now said in view of God’s sovereignty. The cycles of nature and history are ordained by God. — Grace
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