Ecclesiastes 9:14-15
There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just describe an overwhelming enemy, but emphasizes the sheer disparity in strength. It highlights how a "great king" with "great bulwarks"—massive siege engines and fortifications—confronts a "little city" with "few men," setting the stage for wisdom's triumph not by overpowering the enemy, but by outsmarting their immense force. This setup prepares us for the surprising revelation that even the most formidable power can be overcome by cleverness.
The Preacher is illustrating how wisdom, even from an obscure source, can be more potent than brute strength. He presents a scenario of a small, vulnerable city under siege by a mighty king, who erects formidable siege works. This scene sets up the contrast that will be explored in the following verses, highlighting how even the most overwhelming military force can be overcome by shrewd insight.
Imagine a small town, barely defended, facing a relentless superpower. This verse paints a stark picture of vulnerability and impending doom. What makes this scene so powerful?
The verse introduces a dramatic scenario: a small city with few defenders is under siege by a formidable 'great king' who constructs massive siege works. This isn't necessarily a specific historical event, but a vivid illustration.
The Odds Stacked High
This imagery highlights how even the most seemingly insignificant or vulnerable can face an opponent that appears insurmountable.
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What happens when overwhelming might meets a surprising counter? This passage hints at a hidden factor that can defy all logic and power.
While verse 14 sets up the dire situation, the following verses (which we'll explore next) reveal how this overwhelming force was overcome. The commentators point out that the entire scenario is likely a parable or illustration, not necessarily a documented historical event.
The Power of the 'Poor Wise Man'
This sets the stage for understanding that God's ways, and the power He grants through wisdom, often operate in ways we don't expect, defying the conventional wisdom of might makes right.
Understand the original words
misken · Hebrew Adjective
Describes an individual possessing little material wealth or social status. Biblically, the poor are often subjects of divine concern, and their humility can sometimes be the vessel through which God works.
This passage tells a very similar story of a small city besieged and saved by the wisdom of a 'poor wise man' (a woman in this case), highlighting how wisdom can overcome brute force and political power.
Luke 14:31-32Jesus uses a similar analogy of a king going to war against another kingdom, assessing whether he has enough strength (or resources) to win. This emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and preparedness, even when facing overwhelming odds.
Proverbs 24:6This verse states that 'by wise guidance you can wage your war.' It directly connects wisdom with the ability to succeed in conflict, echoing the theme of the little city being saved by wisdom rather than strength.
1 Samuel 17:45-50David, seemingly outmatched and weak, defeats the giant Goliath not through physical strength but through strategic skill and reliance on God. This exemplifies how 'wisdom is better than strength' in overcoming powerful adversaries.
clarkeEcclesiastes 9:14: "There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:"
There was a little city, and few men within it - Here is another proof of the vanity of sublunary things; the ingratitude of men, and the little compensation that genuine merit receives. The little history mentioned here may have either been a fact, or intended as an instructive fable. A little city, with few to defend it, being besie…
henryEcclesiastes 9:13-18: "This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:"
9:13-18 A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it…
The verse doesn't just describe an overwhelming enemy, but emphasizes the sheer disparity in strength. It highlights how a "great king" with "great bulwarks"—massive siege engines and fortifications—confronts a "little city" with "few men," setting the stage for wisdom's triumph not by overpowering the enemy, but by outsmarting their immense force. This setup prepares us for the surprising revelation that even the most formidable power can be overcome by cleverness.
The Preacher is illustrating how wisdom, even from an obscure source, can be more potent than brute strength. He presents a scenario of a small, vulnerable city under siege by a mighty king, who erects formidable siege works. This scene sets up the contrast that will be explored in the following verses, highlighting how even the most overwhelming military force can be overcome by shrewd insight.
The Preacher is illustrating how wisdom, even from an obscure source, can be more potent than brute strength. He presents a scenario of a small, vulnerable city under siege by a mighty king, who erects formidable siege works. This scene sets up the contrast that will be explored in the following verses, highlighting how even the most overwhelming military force can be overcome by shrewd insight.
"There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered…" — The verse doesn't just describe an overwhelming enemy, but emphasizes the sheer disparity in strength. It highlights how a "great king" with "great bulwarks"—massive siege engines and fortification…
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