What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. (v. 9)
This book of Ecclesiastes is the jaded musings of the aging King Solomon. It is filled with truth and wisdom, but you can also see his frustration and sense of futility. While the text is inspired Scripture, you have to consider the book’s context and the author’s perspective. His basic point in this verse is that history tends to repeat itself, and we all can observe that even in our own lives. Consider the current horror taking place in Israel and Gaza. In some ways, it is unprecedented, but looking back over history, it feels like the same old song with just a different verse.
So, is Solomon correct? Are we doomed to continue reliving history in our current day? Well, I am pleased to say, “Not exactly.” Consider the magnificent works of God; can we say that they will always be repeated? We see that God did something unique in Genesis in the creation of all things. Of course, there is a re-creation in our lives as believers, and there will one day be a new heavens and new earth. Even the coming of Christ is a precursor to a “second coming,” so while those are two completely different events, perhaps Solomon is on to something. However, one event occurred, which in no way will be repeated: the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This is why his death, burial, and crucifixion are the fulcrum of history on which everything rests. That one act, where He declared, “It is finished!” is the one thing that is truly once and for all. He will never die again, and there is no need for another sacrifice. This greatest event in history is the very foundation of our faith. If anything can be declared “new under the sun,” it is the death and resurrection of the Son of God for the sins of the world. Solomon might be right about many things, but never forget that the events of that day were unique and changed the course of history. I trust that day has changed the course of your life as well.
