- That which has been is far off, and deep, very deep; who can find it out? -
We’ve seen language to this affect back in Chapter 1. Solomon is letting us know that there is nothing new under the sun.
Right before he gets to that phrase, he says what has been is what will be. What has been done, will be done.
Solomon is letting us know that history repeats itself. We are doomed to repeat the mistakes from the past as they are indicative of our nature.
Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly, Proverbs 26:11. Yep, Solomon is always just full of cheerful images and metaphors.
So, what does this language about the past being deep mean? Does it build from what we have already learned in chapter 1?
To begin, let’s examine the metaphor. What does it mean for something to be deep?
In our own day, we use this metaphor to describe a meaningful, philosophical point. They are a very deep thinker or what you just said is very deep.
What do we mean when we speak this way? What you have said is near the foundation, or the core, of what the thing is.
It is to no longer speak of the events, but to speak of the human heart. Kyle has stolen from the company because the pride that hides in every man refuses to ask for help.
But now let us consider the idea still further. What lurks in the deep? True there is a treasure there, a treasure of mirrors reflecting man’s soul, but are there not dangers as well?
The formidable Leviathan and other serpents of old all belong in the deep far-off waters, waiting for careless and prepared travelers alike.
There then appear to be monsters in the depths. Do we not find all manner of strange creatures near the bottom of the ocean? How can one consider the angler fish earthly?
On the surface, man is a creature that appears simple. He wants to eat, reproduce, and not be bothered with too much labor.
But do we not know there is more to him? That there are depths unseen? Sides of his character he intends to disguise with smiles and mute with laughter?
There within the depths of his soul are both the real man and the monsters of himself. The heart is desperately wicked, who can know it? It is an enigma to even its possessor.
But there is another secret, one more puzzle to these depths that must be explained. Why are they depths?
Why are you a mystery to yourself? Why does your body not simply explain itself to you? Why can you be possessed by rage? Why do you do what you hate? Why are you not the master in your own house?
It would seem that the depths also explain to us that indeed there are functions, both physiological and psychological, your body has deemed you to irresponsible to control, a Petersonian idea.
Breathing is autonomous. Cell division is hidden. There is no lever to disperse adrenaline.
These parts are all deep and created far off. They are even possibly the results of fallen man, curses freely chosen.
The past and yourself are full of terrors. They are full of mysteries. The very way your perception operates is a secret to us all.
Like old maps, here there be monsters.
Share this post