A time for every matter under Heaven!
Esslesiates 3
The psalm from Esslesiates 3 states that there is a suitable time for everything that applies to our daily lives. The composer emphasises the theme of conflict by discussing appropriate time for war and peace which also leads to a discussion of emotions. The psalm also reflects on the meaning of our lives. Through the use of variety of techniques as contrast, repetition and rhythm shows that balance is needed.
The theme of conflict is discussed in a way that shows why there is a need for war or conversely a need for peace. With emotion being the basis of all, the requirement for humans to adjust to different times becomes a need rather than just a mere aspect of our lives. The theme of conflict is shown throughout the binary opposite’s present in the text and in our lives, e.g. “war and peace,” “love and hate,” and “seeking and casting away.” The use of rhetorical devices in the text shows that throughout a lifetime struggles must be overcome and obstacles conquered such as “a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing” and “a time to weep and a time to laugh.” Repetition of “A time to....” emphasises the importance of various times in our lives and the different circumstances we may find ourselves in such as the birth of a new member, the loss of a loved one, or even the different types of successes we might receive. This then gives the reader a sense of unity, the ability to become inspired by reading a text written before Christ. This shows us that the cycle of life has not changed, only advanced with the further development of modern technology, this then becomes somewhat a warning to us to accept our hardships as the there is a time for all things under heaven.
The composer...