Ecclesiastes 12: Remember Creator in Youth

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12 reminds us of the importance of remembering our Creator in the days of our youth, before the difficulties and trials of old age come upon us. The chapter presents a metaphorical description of aging and death, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the ultimate return of the spirit to God who gave it. It concludes with the message that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments. This chapter encourages readers to seek God early in life and to live a life of obedience to His commandments.

I. Remember Your Creator in Your Youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8)
The chapter begins with an exhortation to remember God in the days of one’s youth, before the difficult days come and the years draw near when one has no pleasure in them (Ecclesiastes 12:1). The following verses use poetic imagery to describe the physical decline and frailty of old age, such as the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars, the weakening of the keepers of the house (the arms and hands), and the grinding ceasing because of few teeth (Ecclesiastes 12:2-5). The chapter also speaks of the silver cord being loosed, the golden bowl being broken, and the pitcher shattered at the fountain, symbolizing the end of life (Ecclesiastes 12:6). The final verse in this section concludes that the dust returns to the earth and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Cross-references:

• Proverbs 8:17 – “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.”
• 2 Timothy 2:22 – “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
• Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

II. The Conclusion of the Matter (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)
The final verses of the chapter present the conclusion of the matter, emphasizing the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments. The Preacher, identified as the wise teacher, has imparted knowledge and proverbs to the people, seeking to find acceptable words and write words of truth (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10). The words of the wise are compared to goads and nails, which guide and secure, given by one Shepherd (Ecclesiastes 12:11). The Preacher warns against the making of many books and the weariness of much study (Ecclesiastes 12:12). The conclusion is that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments, for God will bring every work into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Cross-references:

• Deuteronomy 10:12 – “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
• Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

Conclusion: Ecclesiastes 12 gives us a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should seek God early on in our lives. It encourages readers to remember their Creator before the inevitable trials and tribulations of old age come upon them. The chapter concludes with the wise advice to fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. As we face the reality of aging and the eventual return of our spirit to God, let us be motivated to live a life of obedience and faithfulness to our Creator.