Ecclesiastes 2:5

5 and made myself gardens and parks; in them I planted all kinds of fruit trees.

Ecclesiastes 2:5 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 2:5

I made me gardens and orchards
Of the king's garden, we read ( Jeremiah 39:4 ) . Adrichomius F2 makes mention of a royal garden in the suburbs of Jerusalem, fenced with walls; and was a paradise of fruit trees, herbs, spices, and flowers; abounded with all kind of fruit, exceeding pleasant and delightful to the senses: and, as Solomon was so great a botanist, and knew the nature and use of all kinds of trees and herbs, ( 1 Kings 4:33 ) ; no doubt but he has a herbal garden, well stocked with everything of that kind, curious and useful; see ( 1 Kings 21:2 ) . Gardens are made for pleasure as well as profit; Adam, as soon as created, was put into a garden, to add to his natural pleasure and felicity, as well as for his employment, ( Genesis 2:8 ) ; and the pleasure of walking in a garden, and partaking of the fruits of it, are alluded to by Solomon, ( Song of Solomon 4:12 Song of Solomon 4:13 Song of Solomon 4:16 ) ( 5:1 ) ( 6:9 ) ; and I planted trees in them of all [kind of] fruits;
which, as before observed, he had thorough knowledge of, and many of which were brought him from foreign parts; and all served to make his gardens, orchards, parks, forests, and enclosures, very pleasant and delectable. The Targum adds,

``some for food, others for drink, and others for medicine.''

FOOTNOTES:

F2 Theatrum Terrae Sanctae, p. 170.

Ecclesiastes 2:5 In-Context

3 I searched my mind for how to gratify my body with wine and, with my mind still guiding me with wisdom, how to pursue foolishness; my object was to find out what was the best thing for people to do during the short time they have under heaven to live.
4 I worked on a grand scale - I built myself palaces, planted myself vineyards,
5 and made myself gardens and parks; in them I planted all kinds of fruit trees.
6 I made myself pools from which to water the trees springing up in the forest.
7 I bought male and female slaves, and I had my home-born slaves as well. I also had growing herds of cattle and flocks of sheep, more than anyone before me in Yerushalayim.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.