back to Kohelet

I hope to finish in this session.

We're still in the very beginning of the 4th chapter of Ecclesiastes
Kohelet, King Solomon is again contemplating all the the sufferings of the persecuted, the horrible things that happen "beneath the sun." Again I asked if there was a difference when he writes sun vs heavens. Still no answer.

The persecution includes things like not paying, or paying less, change in work conditions etc. Problems/sins between man and man. And there's no one to comfort the oppressed. "I can't help you, or I'll get into trouble," or "if you complain you'll lose your job." "ain menachem," there's no comfort.
3- That's why some people don't want to bring children to this world. Or they commit suicide, similar.

In 3, 11, he said that everything was great; why the discrepency?

back to 1
He sees people in hell, because of the evil they did
Hell is under the sun. Instead of doing mitzvot they're in hell.

974 generations before creation that never lived.

G-d planned on giving Torah after a thousand, but at 26 realized that people needed it.

4- man's rivalry with this neighbor
The earth can produce enough for all , but some have too much or destroy, which deprives others. Causes people to die and suffer.

Like how the Americans give cupons, shopping credits to patronize American industries and destroy our own. The aid really isn't aid for us. More like a trojan horse. Very dangerous.

5- first four verses depressing.
ochel et basaro, eats its own flesh
makes himself sick
or doesn't want to know'
doesn't want to fight
called a fool by Shlomo hamelech

6- also not good to work too hard
type A personality

Maybe he'll eventually talk about the need for balance