9The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
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Cross-References
From the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Commentary
Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible (1710)
(vv. 9-11)Two things we are apt to take a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction in, and value ourselves upon, with reference to our business and enjoyments in the world, as if they helped to save them from vanity. Solomon shows us our mistake in both. 1. The novelty of the invention, that it is such as was never known before. How grateful is it to think that none ever made such advances in knowledge, and…
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