Campfire Scripture: Billy tea and a short, manly devotional. They go together like bacon and everything.

Book Author and Date:

Solomon, just the like the proverbs, this book bears the hallmark of Solomon’s wisdom… and it identifies him as the author rather exclusively (Ecclesiastes 1:1). Given the nature of the text it’s fair to say it was written with the benefit of hindsight. Therefore, a date towards the second half of his reign is most likely. Solomon reigned from 971-931 B.C.

Tags:

Love, hate, war, peace.

Context:

As mentioned, Ecclesiastes was a book written by Solomon, probably following a lifetime of lament, having experienced the dry mouth feeling of an unfulfilling life of materialism. Solomon was the definitive tortured genius.

This book is the work of a heartfelt struggle with the superfluousness of a life lived for the self, and not for God.

What I Reckon:

This verse is the last declaration in a series of passages demonstrating with examples that everything has its appointed time and place, including war (and peace).

I really just enjoy reading Bible verses which satisfy my boyish excitement for tales of grandeur, the contrast between war and peace that conjures up images of something, or some cause greater than myself.

War is hell. I know I’ve talked a lot about it in previous posts (and will continue to do so) and I sometimes speak of it like a wide eyed school boy. But do not mistake me for some warmonger. I know nothing of the horrors of war. But I am a realist. I acknowledge the plain truth that evil exists, and it must not at any cost, be allowed to flourish, to take a foothold in the world.

I am not ignorant of the fact that standing between me, and horrific war is an ocean. Not just an ocean of water, but one of uniforms, men and women, advanced weaponry and technology. If those things weren’t there, war would feel much more like home. Without law and order, evil would flourish even without war.

Peace has a sweeter taste when it’s earned; when it’s not ignorant of the reality of the world we live in. When we forget that peace is a privilege, not a guarantee, we become apathetic.

Christ exhorted us to ‘overcome evil with good’. However, good does not necessarily imply inaction, passivity and fear. Good is compassion, justice, righteousness, courage, moral uprightness, integrity, faith in God.

References

All Campfire Scripture passages are taken from the New American Standard Bible, unless otherwise stated.

John MacArthur, 2006, The MacArthur Study Bible,  New American Standard Bible (1995 edition).