Ecc 8:11-12, Isa 18:5 | JFB | STEP | 11. The reason why the wicked persevere in sin: God's delay in judgment ( ). "They see not the smoke of the pit, therefore they dread not the fire" [SOUTH ], ( ). Joab's escape from the punishment of his murder of Abner, so far from "leading him to repentance," as it ought ( ), led him to the additional murder of Amasa.

Ecclesiastes 8:11-12

11. The reason why the wicked persevere in sin: God's delay in judgment (Mt 24:48-51; 2Pe 3:8, 9). "They see not the smoke of the pit, therefore they dread not the fire" [SOUTH], (Ps 55:19). Joab's escape from the punishment of his murder of Abner, so far from "leading him to repentance," as it ought (Ro 2:4), led him to the additional murder of Amasa.

12. He says this, lest the sinner should abuse the statement (Ec 7:15), "A wicked man prolongeth his life."

before him—literally, "at His presence"; reverently serve Him, realizing His continual presence.

Isaiah 18:5

5. For—rather, "But."

perfect—perfected. When the enemy's plans are on the verge of completion.

sour grape . . . flower—rather, "when the flower shall become the ripening grape" [MAURER].

sprigs—the shoots with the grapes on them. God will not only disconcert their present plans, but prevent them forming any future ones. HORSLEY takes the "harvest" and vintage here as referring to purifying judgments which cause the excision of the ungodly from the earth, and the placing of the faithful in a state of peace on the earth: not the last judgment (Joh 15:2; Re 14:15-20).