Presents
Pamphlet 1732 Eccles 5-1

Several decades ago there was a popular rock group named "The Byrds"
who recorded a number 1 hit song called "Turn! Turn! Turn!"

There were many people who knew the words and the tune and could sing the entire song,
but were completely unaware that the lyrics were word for word from the 3rd chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Today, the song is occasionally heard on an oldies but goodies station
and the memory of "The Byrds" is quickly fading into that forgotten past that Solomon spoke of.

But since the lyrics to the song were taken directly from God's Word,
they will endure forever, and we now are privileged to read them, or sing them if you like.

In fact, there are 28 seasons and they are listed in the following verses.

For those who are familiar with the significance of numbers in scripture, 28 is composed of 4,
which is the number of "earth" as in the 4 seasons,
times 7, which is the number of completeness or spiritual perfection.

Did you know that numbers in scripture have significance?

They help us to partake of that "hidden manna", giving us a deeper level of understanding.

For instance: each time the number 40 is used throughout the Bible it denotes probation or testing.

There are several good resources available on Biblical numerics.

It is worth noting, however, that in the original Hebrew manuscripts the division of the 28 "times"
are in 14 verses with 2 "times" in each verse
compared with the division by man in the KJV of 7 verses containing 4 "times" in each verse.

When you read them in the original division you can't help but notice that there are basically only 14 seasons
but with two parts, a positive and negative aspect to each one.

Some translators such as Dr. Moffat do display them in English in their original division.

Also, one of the really helpful things we will learn from this 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes
is that these 28 seasons and times happen to everyone,
and therefore we should not be taken by surprise by any of the things that happen in our lives,
but rather learn to discern the season and times that we are in
and then realize that there is a purpose so that we may act accordingly and appropriately.

The other thing we must know is that our Father is in complete control of the times and seasons
and though He changes them,
He gives the wisdom and knowledge to those with eyes to see and ears to hear
as to how to cope and deal with each and every one of them.

Of course step one in learning to deal with anything is to know what your are dealing with,
so learning what the seasons and times are and then learning to recognize what season we are in
gives us an advantage in dealing with any thing that comes our way, in our seasons, in our lives.

I am also reminded of the lyrics of the famous group, "Chicago",
a contemporary band of the "Byrds", who also recorded a hit song with the words
"Does anybody really know what time it is?

Does anybody really care?"

Though not many today do know or do care, we do,
so let's learn from the Koheleth, the preacher, even Solomon,
concerning the times of our lives, because were all going through some "times" right now!
 

To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.
We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.

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