Ecclesiastes 2:5

5 I made me gardens and orchards, and planted in them every kind of fruit-tree.

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 And I examined whether my heart would excite my flesh as wine, (though my heart guided in wisdom,) and to lay hold of mirth, until I should see of what kind is the good to the sons of men, which they should do under the sun all the days of their life.

4 I enlarged my work; I built me houses; I planted me vineyards.

5 I made me gardens and orchards, and planted in them every kind of fruit-tree.

6 I made me pools of water, to water from them the timber-bearing wood.

7 I got servants and maidens, and servants were born to me in the house: also I had abundant possession of flocks and herds, beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem.