THEOSISJerome of Stridon
In the interpretation of this passage, scholars have diverse opinions, with as many perspectives as there are individuals. Rather than delve into every viewpoint and the evidences each used to support their claims—a task that could nearly fill a book—it suffices to provide a brief overview of these interpretations, akin to mapping the various regions and dimensions of existence. The Hebrews propose that the guidance here is directed towards Israel, who are urged to enjoy their blessings until the period of their captivity arrives and their vigor is overtaken by age.
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Each one is instructed to appreciate all that pleases the heart and the eyes while it is still in their possession; yet, they must also remember they will be held accountable for their actions and refrain from malicious intentions and desires, being aware that folly often accompanies youth. It is crucial to keep one’s Creator in mind until the days of Babylon and Rome, in which no joy shall be found. This section of scripture, from the phrase 'until the sun, and the moon, and the stars be darkened’ to ‘And the dust shall return to its ground as it was, and the spirit shall return to the Lord that gave it,' is interpreted in light of their historical experiences. As these interpretations are intricate and extensive, we shall summarize them succinctly.
Rejoice, therefore, O Israel, during your youth, and follow the counsel given until the time of exile comes, when your honor and glory fade, and your holy ones—symbolized by the sun, moon, and stars—are taken away. This will be when Nebuchadnezzar or Titus, the son of Vespasian, whom the prophets foretold, arrives, and their prophecies come to fruition—not just when the angelic guardians of the temple are removed and the strongest among you face disgrace, when the teachings are silenced, and the prophets who typically are filled with divine insight lose their clarity. The temple doors will be shut, Jerusalem will be brought low, and the Chaldeans will come, heeded as if called by Jeremiah’s song, causing even the enemies of Jerusalem to tremble before God’s majesty and recall the destruction of Sennacherib (Isaiah 37). They understand this in the saying, 'and of the heights shall they fear and be afraid in the way' (Ecclesiastes 12:5). In those days, 'the almond shall blossom,' representing the staff seen by Jeremiah at the onset of his prophecy, while 'the grasshopper shall be weighed down, and the caper scattered,' symbolizing the covenant between God and Israel. The meaning of 'caper' will be elaborated on in due time.
These events will transpire for Israel as a man departs to his eternal home, guided by God’s grace to return to heaven. As he leaves for his abode, he shall be encircled by lamentation in the streets, besieged by enemies. Thus, rejoice, O Israel, in your youth until 'the silver chain is broken'—signifying the end of your glory—until 'the golden bandage is broken'—indicating the loss of the ark of the covenant; ‘until the pitcher is broken at the spring, and the wheel over the pool’—meaning the commandments of the law and the grace of the Holy Spirit dwell in the Holy of Holies, until you return to Babylon, from where you descended through Abraham, until you are subjected once more in Mesopotamia, from which you originally came, and until all prophetic grace, which once inspired you, returns to its Source. This is the understanding the Jews apply to this text, interpreting it in relation to their own experience.
Turning back to the preceding interpretation, we strive to elucidate the entirety separately: 'Be of good cheer, O young man, in thy youth; let thine heart rejoice in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and according to the sight of thine eyes. And know that for all these things God will bring you into judgement.' The sentiment conveys that worldly delight is indeed sweet, encouraging individuals to relish their days and seize their pleasures with due diligence, for the night of eternal death shall inevitably come when one can no longer utilize what they have amassed, and all shall appear as mere shadows. Thus, while urging diligence in enjoyment, the message does not promote indulgence in pleasure nor suggest an Epicurean philosophy; rather, it emphasizes accountability, reinforcing that one will face divine judgement for their actions.
'And remove anger from your heart and remove evil from your flesh; for youth and foolishness are vanity.' Here, anger encompasses all disturbances of the spirit, and evil pertains to all corporeal indulgences. Therefore, the exhortation is to engage with the aspects of this world in a manner that avoids transgressions of desire and sinful inclinations. Forsake the previous vices that bred vanity and folly during your youth, as youth is often intertwined with irrationality. Always remember your Creator in the days of your youth, until the adverse times arrive and the years draw near when you will lament, 'I have no pleasure in them.’ Continuously dwelling upon your Creator enables adherence to the path of your youth, so that you may reflect on the inevitability of death when the sorrowful days, laden with tribulation, manifest.