"When you go to the house of God"
Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1
THE HOUSE OF GOD
Solomon turned his attention to discuss the matter of going to the house of God for worship. This was, of course, a reference to the Temple that he had built.
“Walk prudently when you go to the house of God;
and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools,
for they do not know that they do evil.”
Ecclesiastes 5:1
1. “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God”
a) “Walk prudently”
i) This is not a reference to physical or literal walking.
ii) The challenge is how to conduct oneself prudently.
iii) Prudence must also be exercised in spiritual matters.
b) “The house of God”
i) There was central worship in ancient Israel.
ii) There was just one Temple.
iii) Every effort was to be made to go to Jerusalem three times a year.
(Exodus 23:14-17 highlighted three feasts that all must try and attend.)
2. “And draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools”
a) “Draw near to hear” (the Lord’s word)
i) A reading of the Lord’s word is common practice.
ii) A teaching (explanation) of the word read is given.
iii) The challenge was to go to the house of God to hear (to listen and learn).
b) “Rather than to give the sacrifice of fools”
i) This is a reference to some who may respond to the Word given without much thought.
ii) Perhaps the individual may offer to make some sacrifices.
iii) But he may have over-committed himself.
iv) He may not be able to fulfil what he had promised.
v) He may have been carried away by his emotions.
vi) He is then described as one who has made “a sacrifice of fools”.
c) “For they do not know that they do evil”
i) To make a promise to God and failing to fulfil it is considered “evil”.
ii) The individual may not even realise that he has done evil.