Solomon confesses emotional crisis: 'Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.' The Hebrew 'sane' (שָׂנֵא, hated) expresses strong aversion—not suicidal ideation but deep dissatisfaction with life 'under the sun' (apart from God's perspective). The 'work wrought under the sun' proven 'grievous' (ra, רַע, evil/burdensome). This verse captures the despair that results from seeking ultimate meaning in temporal achievements. Solomon's comprehensive investigation (chapters 1-2) yielded only frustration—'vanity and vexation of spirit.' Yet this dark moment prepares for the solution: finding meaning through fearing God and receiving His gifts with gratitude (2:24-26). The verse validates honest struggle with meaninglessness while pointing toward resolution in God.
Historical Context
Solomon's 'hatred of life' echoes Job's lament (Job 3:1-3; 10:1) and anticipates prophetic despair (Jeremiah 20:14-18). Scripture honestly acknowledges the spiritual anguish that accompanies wrestling with life's meaning. Ancient Near Eastern literature like the Babylonian 'Dialogue of Pessimism' similarly expressed despair, but without Ecclesiastes' resolution in fearing God. The phrase 'under the sun' is key: when life is evaluated without eternal perspective, despair follows logically. Early church fathers used this to demonstrate humanity's need for divine revelation—reason alone leads to despair. Pascal later articulated this: humans are wretched without God, yet capable of recognizing their wretchedness, pointing toward the solution. The Reformers emphasized that conviction of sin's vanity precedes conversion—recognizing that earthly pursuits cannot satisfy drives souls to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
Have you experienced seasons of 'hating life'—finding even legitimate accomplishments ultimately unsatisfying—and how did this drive you toward God?
How does honest acknowledgment of life's vanity 'under the sun' serve as preparation for finding meaning in God's purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
Solomon confesses emotional crisis: 'Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.' The Hebrew 'sane' (שָׂנֵא, hated) expresses strong aversion—not suicidal ideation but deep dissatisfaction with life 'under the sun' (apart from God's perspective). The 'work wrought under the sun' proven 'grievous' (ra, רַע, evil/burdensome). This verse captures the despair that results from seeking ultimate meaning in temporal achievements. Solomon's comprehensive investigation (chapters 1-2) yielded only frustration—'vanity and vexation of spirit.' Yet this dark moment prepares for the solution: finding meaning through fearing God and receiving His gifts with gratitude (2:24-26). The verse validates honest struggle with meaninglessness while pointing toward resolution in God.