The two are beautiful illustrations of the principle of “type and anti-type“; the same at different times, and in different ways, in different places.
It is felt by some that understanding the Old Testament is so frustrating and difficult that they become discouraged and finally discontinue reading it at all. They (the two testaments) are both involved in the restoring of peace, But in different methods, and at different times. Both methods are eternal…they will always work - If...
If real peace is really wanted. half-way measures will undermine both methods. Pretense and manipulations will undermine both. Notice first Solomon’s much-quoted inspired advice concerning the rule of times that seem to come and go. However, each “time” is part of God’s progressive purpose to bring more children into His family.
And there is a time for everything in life:
"There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—
"A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to [tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to keep silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace."
"What profit is there for the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the task which God has given to the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. God Set Eternity in the Heart of Man: He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God]—yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end.
"I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good as long as they live; and also that every man should eat and drink and see and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor can anything be taken from it, for God does it so that men will fear and worship Him [with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is God]. That which is has already been, and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by [so that history repeats itself].
"Moreover, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. I said to myself, “God will judge both the righteous and the wicked,” for there is a time [appointed] for every matter and for every deed. I said to myself regarding the sons of men, “God is surely testing them in order for them to see that [by themselves, without God] they are [only] animals.” For the [earthly] fate of the sons of men and the fate of animals is the same.
"As one dies, so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no preeminence or advantage for man [in and of himself] over an animal, for all is vanity. All go to the same place. All came from the dust and all return to the dust. Who knows if the spirit of man ascends upward and the spirit of the animal descends downward to the earth? So I have seen that there is nothing better than that a man should be happy in his own works and activities, for that is his portion (share). For who will bring him [back] to see what will happen after he is gone?” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
Yes, all this is true…and becomes futile and hopeless in a world that generally ignores God.
Solomon is describing the utter helpfulness and hopelessness in the world when all or any part of it resists belief in God. When the knowledge of God is not present in a society, He simply lets raw human nature function as a natural consequence of that knowledge. The “times” without God occur as a result of the fallen nature of humanity.
… it all began in that garden (Garden of Eden).
As the result of mankind’s effort to solve all problems in the world by his own intellect, Jesus Christ came into the seen and revealed the solution to all the evil times of the past - in one statement, the solution is revealed:
““Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
Solomon revealed humanities questions.
Then Jesus came - with all it’s answers…
Will you come to Him?