Explore the Bible: August 1

What time is it? • Ecclesiastes 3:1-15  

By Beth S. Bowman

For thousands of years, humans have developed ways to measure and track the passing of time. From sundials to candle clocks, man has created dozens of mechanisms in an attempt to tell time accurately. Water clocks, time sticks, and hourglasses have also been used in order to count the time.

The first mechanical clock was invented around the 14th century and from then until today, our time-keeping mechanisms have grown in number, type, size, and weight. All in order to answer the question, “What time is it?”

Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, probably didn’t know the exact time but he did know God had planned a time for everything. The first eight verses of chapter three give us an overview of the season or time for everything.

First, the timing of our activities is important. Killing someone (Ecclesiastes 3:8) is generally considered evil and a crime, but that may change during a time of war when defending one’s country can be considered a noble act. Dancing (v. 4) may be appropriate during a time of celebration, but it would not be appropriate for a funeral. Both our actions and the timing of our actions are important to God.

Secondly, these seasons in which certain pursuits are proper are appointed by God. His plan for life involves a variety of experiences and activities. Weeping may be part of life but life is not all weeping; laughter has a place, too (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Construction is good in its time, but sometimes deconstruction is necessary (v. 3).

Thirdly, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 serves as a bridge between the first two chapters and the section that follows. People are to accept each day as a gift from the hand of God (2:24–26), but why? Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 explains that it is because God has a reason and a time for all things. People may be ignorant of God’s timing (3:9-11), but they are called to enjoy life in the present (3:12-13) and trust in God’s sovereignty (3:14-15).

The writer goes back to his earlier comment about work when asking, “What do workers gain from their toil?” (3:9). He is again reinstating that although work is given from God, in the end it doesn’t matter.

In verse 11, the statement, “He has made everything beautiful in its time” is a well-quoted statement. It reiterates that not only does God have an appointed time, He is at work in every situation. Ultimately, God is sovereign and his purposes and beauty will be revealed.

It’s the same thought in Philippians 2:13 (NIV), “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

For thousands of years, humans have developed ways to measure and track the passing of time. From sundials to candle clocks, man has created dozens of mechanisms in an attempt to tell time accurately. Water clocks, time sticks, and hourglasses have also been used in order to count the time.

The first mechanical clock was invented around the 14th century and from then until today, our time-keeping mechanisms have grown in number, type, size, and weight. All in order to answer the question, “What time is it?”

Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, probably didn’t know the exact time but he did know God had planned a time for everything. The first eight verses of chapter three give us an overview of the season or time for everything.

First, the timing of our activities is important. Killing someone (Ecclesiastes 3:8) is generally considered evil and a crime, but that may change during a time of war when defending one’s country can be considered a noble act. Dancing (v. 4) may be appropriate during a time of celebration, but it would not be appropriate for a funeral. Both our actions and the timing of our actions are important to God.

Secondly, these seasons in which certain pursuits are proper are appointed by God. His plan for life involves a variety of experiences and activities. Weeping may be part of life but life is not all weeping; laughter has a place, too (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Construction is good in its time, but sometimes deconstruction is necessary (v. 3).

Thirdly, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 serves as a bridge between the first two chapters and the section that follows. People are to accept each day as a gift from the hand of God (2:24–26), but why? Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 explains that it is because God has a reason and a time for all things. People may be ignorant of God’s timing (3:9-11), but they are called to enjoy life in the present (3:12-13) and trust in God’s sovereignty (3:14-15).

The writer goes back to his earlier comment about work when asking, “What do workers gain from their toil?” (3:9). He is again reinstating that although work is given from God, in the end it doesn’t matter.

In verse 11, the statement, “He has made everything beautiful in its time” is a well-quoted statement. It reiterates that not only does God have an appointed time, He is at work in every situation. Ultimately, God is sovereign and his purposes and beauty will be revealed.

It’s the same thought in Philippians 2:13 (NIV), “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

The answer to the question, “What time is it?” cannot be solved through any work on our own. Ultimately, we have to sit back and realize that God is sovereign. His purposes are eternal and we are His — and that’s true no matter what time it is!

Bowman, a member of West Carthage Church, is a speaker/writer. She may be contacted at beth@bethbowman.net.