Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 
Day 
Day 15

"I also gathered for myself silver and gold"

Text: Ecclesiastes 2:8

ACQUISITION OF WEALTH

One of the things that many are obsessed by is the acquisition of wealth. Solomon accumulated great wealth in his lifetime.

“I acquired male and female servants,
and had servants born in my house.
Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks
than all who were in Jerusalem before me.
I also gathered for myself silver and gold
and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces.
I acquired male and female singers,
the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds.”
Ecclesiastes 2:7-8

Expressions of wealth in days gone by were different!

1. Possession of slaves

a) To have many male and female servants.
b) To have these servants give birth and produce more slaves.
c) The ancient laws stated that the children born to slaves belonged to their owner.

2. Possession of livestock

a) Herds (cattle)
b) Flocks (Sheep/ goats/ camels)
c) People measured their wealth against each other.
d) Solomon could say that he was the richest man in Jerusalem.

3. Material wealth

a) Silver
b) Gold
c) Special treasures
i) Exotic treasures given by kings.
ii) These came from different provinces from foreign countries.
iii) Special museums and treasury buildings would house these gifts.

4. “Male and female singers”

a) This would be a special thing that few would be able to afford.
b) These artistes:
i) They could be choirs
ii) Performing troupes
iii) Orchestras

These features would cause Solomon to be rated as the richest man on earth in his time. Did he find pleasure in this thought? Probably!

But did he find fulfilment and satisfaction in life because of his wealth? The sad answer is a simple “No!”