Nothing New

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Some people find this hard to believe. Others do not see how they can find an example of their specific problem in the Bible. Everyone is always looking for the “newest” thing. However, there is nothing new. How is this possible? There have been so many inventions, new ideas, and new technology. Is there really nothing new?

Let’s look at some different issues that we face today and see if there is any examples of those same issues in the Bible.

1. Food- everyone needs food. The problem is how to get it. Today the issue is no money no food. Money is the means by getting the food. People have  always needed food to eat. How did people get food in the Bible?
They planted the food. “I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits” (Ecclesiastes 2:5)

They bought the food. Jacob said, “Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die” (Genesis 42:2).

They worked for charity. Back then the poor was allowed to go behind the field workers and collect some food to eat.  “When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive tree, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow.” (Deuteronomy 24:19-20).

Today we buy the food, plant the food, or receive charity. Not much has changed.

2. A Place to live- people has always needed shelter.

People in ancient Israel used two types of housing:
tents for nomadic or semi-nomadic herders

houses, either large or small, in villages or cities

 

Today will live in houses, mobile homes, or apartments. Some houses are large and some are small. Some people live in the city while others live in some communities. 

3. Sibling jealousy

Today anyone that has more than one child knows that siblings can be jealous of one another. This problem can reek havoc in families. Did this problem exist in the Bible? 

Yes, just look at Esau and Jacob. They wanted to kill each other. Does that sound familiar? “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him : and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand ; then will I slay my brother Jacob.” (Genesis 27:41)

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. 

“Judah said unto his brethren; What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.” (Genesis 37:27).

4. Difficult Boss

So, you think that your boss it difficult; try working for some of the bosses in the Bible.

Have you ever been put into prison for offending your boss? 

Genesis 40:1-3 says, “And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers , and against the chief of the bakers. And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison , the place where Joseph was bound.”

Have you ever been thrown to the lions for breaking the rules? 

Daniel was thrown to the lions by his boss after getting caught praying. 

Daniel 6:1-28

5. Unruly Children

David’s son raped his sister (see 2 Samuel 13:1-19)

“And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel do not this folly…Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her” (2 Samuel 13:11-12 & 14)

Samuel’s children took bribes  

“And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” (1 Samuel 8:3).

  

6. Trouble with N-laws

David’s father-n-law sent an army to kill him. (See 1 Samue124:1-22; Psalm 57).

7. Homelessness

Son of man does not have a place to lay his head.

“Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).