8:1–17 Review · In chapter 8, Qoheleth takes up the topic of the role of government and judicial authority, especially in relationship to “evil” (the Hebrew root for “evil” occurs seven times in Ecclesiastes 8). This section is remarkably similar in some of its perspectives to Romans 13, though not necessarily Paul’s source. Both texts note the theological basis as well as the personal benefits of submission to authority, although Ecclesiastes 8 focuses more on the latter than Romans 13. Here the author addresses more fully how the wise person should relate to authority that is sometimes used to perpetrate rather than punish injustice (cf. Eccles. 3:16–17; 4:1–3, 13–16; 5:8–9). This unit is framed by brief reflections on wisdom (8:1, 16–17) that link it to what precedes and follows.

8:1…