Ecclesiastes 2:5

5 I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them.

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.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 Theatrum Terrae Sanctae, p. 170.

Ecclesiastes 2:5 In-Context

3 I explored with my mind how to let my body enjoy life with wine and how to grasp folly-my mind still guiding me with wisdom-until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

4 I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.

5 I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them.

6 I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees.

7 I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.