Wood is an important component throughout the Bible – Noah’s Ark, Moses’ Ark, pieces in the Tabernacle, the feeding trough of baby Jesus could have been wood (or stone). This is one of the reasons why the second person of the Godhead came to earth and grew up as a carpenter. He knew His craft and it would intersect with His mission.
Wood you thank Him? For the wood that became the cross – the altar of change.
It goes against the grain! Ecclesiastes 10: 9-10. In preparing a wood piece, one must choose appropriate tools – whether hand saws or machinery, and treat that wood properly. Do you cut against the grain or with it? Is the saw dull, making the cuts slower, which require more muscle and then you can’t cut straight. The way we treat the cross (God’s wood) and God’s work, can be something adversely affecting us.
- Words of the preacher – Ecclesiastes is a word that comes from the Latin vulgate, a transliteration of the septuagint (Greek translation of Old Testament) word “ecclesia”, meaning “one who convenes and addresses or a public assembly.” the Hebrew word “koheleth” comes from “gahal”, meaning “assembly, gatherer, congregation.” many interpret it as preacher, teacher, since it is an assembling of those who will be listening to the words of this one. The author is writing this in personal reflection, as he has had the words of old and often did not live up to them; consequently, he understands that the holder of that tool sawing the wood must be honorable to the work, or it can cause bad results. The author is Solomon (son of David Ecclesiastes 1:1; King of Israel 1:12; collector of sentences and writer of many Proverbs 12-10). Throughout the book, you can see words that are associated with him: a seeker of wisdom, yet one who had trouble with women, for instance (7:23-26 – snares of the heart of women – couldn’t find one good one). The real subject is God and in all cases are Elohim, the Creator/Trinity. Many feel that Solomon wrote the Song of Solomon while a young man (it is littered with feelings and actions of a young man in pursuit), that Proverbs was written while he was middle aged (perspective begins to build and sayings come forth), and that Ecclesiastes was written by an older man with regret, yet seeks to teach others about the creative work of God throughout one’s lifetime.
- The wisdom for the assembly – two examples are given in Ecclesiastes 10:9-10, showing the value the author places upon guarding oneself while one works in wood, stone, or in life. Be careful with how you deal with God’s things – nature or supernatural. We’re no match for them in our flesh, especially when we are weak, dull of hearing or whatever. Verse 9 talks about this: whoever quarries stones may be injured. Quarries is the Hebrew word “nasa” (naw-sah), meaning “to pull out or up, journey”. Injured is the Hebrew word “atsab”, meaning “displeasing, physical pain, hurt”. When people misuse the wood/altar/cross/work of God, they can be physically affected. The second idea is that one who splits logs may be endangered by them. “Splits” is the Hebrew word “baga”, meaning “to break open, cleave through, split”. One has to break open the bread or cut into wood, but know it is serious business. They can be endangered, which is the Hebrew word “sakan”, meaning “incurring danger”. Whose danger? From God. Remember Uzzah who touched the cart that was carrying the Ark of the Covenant? He tried to steady it and God judged him (II Sam. 6:6-7). I take very seriously the preparation and presentation of this glorious word. Be careful, for the stone, wood/log, may get out of your reach and the very tool you use can wound you. Verse 10 tells us if the axe is dull, which is the Hebrew word “gehah” (kaw-haw), meaning “to be full, on edge”. It can tear, instead of cutting clean, and again, makes more effort for the user. We should never make the word say what we want it to say; we need a sharp edge, but stay in the hands of God doing so. Proverbs 15:28 regards one who studieth for an answer better than quick reply.
- Wrapping up of the assembly – here is the “conclusion”, which is the Hebrew word “soph”, meaning “bring to an end, cease”. In every message there should be a conclusion – something that wraps up the main points and brings it home to heart. Here there are two main messages: the first one is to apply wisdom; it’s like applying salve to a wound, we must apply wisdom to the knowledge or facts we glean. In 9:16 it says it is better than physical strength. Wisdom can fight more battles than weaponry. Though this is the end here, Proverbs remind us that wisdom builds her house and that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; hence, the second message: the fear of the Lord. The word “fear” here is “yare”, meaning, “affright, reverence, honor, fear”. The fear of Elohim (adds the article h, meaning the action (fear) needs a direct object – fear for the sake of fear is torment; reverence before the Lord almighty is a cleansing stream and one that the church universal needs. This end piece also reminds us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of hating sin (proverbs 9), so it is a fire of its own. God has set up a table eternally for all those who want to be there, but we must take it seriously and not just put God first when it is needful/convenient for us. He must always be first or He’ll be forever last.