Ecclesiastes 12:5
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Israel practiced professional mourning—hired women who wailed and lamented at funerals (Jeremiah 9:17-18; Amos 5:16). The 'mourners in the streets' vividly depicted approaching death's public recognition. The almond tree imagery was particularly apt in Israel where almond blossoms appeared early each spring, their white flowers resembling aged hair. The progression described—from trembling hands (v. 3) through failing capacities (v. 4) to imminent death (v. 5)—traced aging's full trajectory. Pre-modern medicine meant these declines were irreversible and often rapid. The passage's realism prepared readers for mortality while urging present faithfulness. Church fathers emphasized using earthly life well before entering eternity's 'long home.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does confronting mortality's reality (rather than avoiding thoughts of death) clarify what truly matters in life?
- In what ways does Christian hope transform death from a 'long home' to be feared into transition to eternal joy?
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Analysis & Commentary
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high—the elderly develop fear of heights and uneven ground due to balance issues and fragility. Fears shall be in the way—simple walking becomes anxiety-producing due to fall risk. The almond tree shall flourish—this likely refers to white hair (almond blossoms are white), a sign of advanced age. The grasshopper shall be a burden—even lightweight insects feel heavy; the smallest exertion becomes exhausting. Desire shall fail—the Hebrew aviyonah (אֲבִיּוֹנָה, desire/appetite) indicates loss of appetite, sexual desire, and general zest for life. Because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets—the 'long home' (בֵּית עוֹלָמוֹ) is death's permanent dwelling. Professional mourners already circulate, anticipating the funeral.
This verse brings the aging allegory near its conclusion with vivid imagery: fear, white hair, weakness, loss of desire, approaching death. The cumulative effect is sobering yet purposeful—remember the Creator before these days arrive (v. 1). The phrase 'long home' acknowledges death's permanence from earthly perspective, yet Christian hope transforms it: believers' true 'home' is with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23), and death is not the end but transition to eternal life.