Ecc 8:11-13 | 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 8:11-13

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], (Psa 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.

13. neither shall he prolong--not a contradiction to Ec 8:12. The "prolonging" of his days there is only seeming, not real. Taking into account his eternal existence, his present days, however seemingly long, are really short. God's delay (Ec 8:11) exists only in man's short-sighted view. It gives scope to the sinner to repent, or else to fill up his full measure of guilt; and so, in either case, tends to the final vindication of God's ways. It gives exercise to the faith, patience, and perseverance of saints.

shadow--(Ec 6:12; Job 8:9).