Ecclesiastes 7:1

CONTENTS

In this chapter the Preacher is proposing several good things, as means, in the divine hand, for a remedy against the vanities of life. He showeth the blessedness of gracious sorrow, and the superiority it hath to carnal mirth. In these, and the like observations, this Chapter abounds.

Ecclesiastes 7:1

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

The name of Jesus is as ointment poured forth, Solomon hath said elsewhere, Song of Solomon 1:3. And to be called by that honourable name in Jesus, which the mouth of the Lord hath promised to name, is fragrancy indeed, Isaiah 62:2. That the day of a man's death is better than the day of his birth, is a very unaccountable saying in the estimation of worldly men: but to a gracious soul the day of death unto sin, and of being born to God, is, of all days, the most blessed. And how can the day of his death in the body be otherwise than blessed, when, from being in union with Christ, he dies here, his soul becomes alive forever in Christ. So the voice from heaven told John. And so true believers in Christ most assuredly know. Revelation 14:13.