Book of Ecclesiastes - Chapter 1 - Verse 9

In this verse from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the author reflects on the cyclical nature of life and history. The phrase "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done" suggests that history repeats itself, and the events of the past will occur again in the future. The author emphasizes that there is nothing new under the sun, meaning that all human experiences and actions have already been witnessed and will continue to occur. This verse serves as a reminder that while individuals may believe they are creating new ideas or innovations, they are ultimately just repeating patterns that have existed throughout time. By acknowledging the repetition of history, the author encourages readers to reflect on their actions and consider the consequences of their decisions in the context of past events.

One way to interpret the verse, '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,' is through a theological lens which focuses on the cyclical nature of human existence. This verse from the book of Ecclesiastes suggests that history repeats itself and that human behavior is ultimately predictable. The phrase "under the sun" implies a worldly perspective, indicating that despite technological advancements and cultural changes, the fundamental aspects of human nature remain constant. This interpretation reinforces the idea that humans are bound by their inherent nature and are destined to make the same mistakes as those who came before them. It serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from the past in order to avoid repeating it in the future.