A THREEFOLD CORD!

A THREEFOLD CORD!

Eccl 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

           The Talmud says: “A man without companions is like the left hand without the right.” In Biblical times, and in certain places in our own world, it is simply dangerous to travel alone. The meaning of verse 12 is “One may be overpowered but two can better defend themselves.”

           Dr. Warren Wiersbe explained that “Solomon started with the number one (v. 8), then moved to two (v. 9), and then closed with three (v. 12). This is typical of Hebrew literature (Prov 6:16; Amos 1:3,6,9, etc.). One cord could be broken easily; two cords would require more strength; but three cords woven together could not be easily broken. If two travelers are better than one, then three would fare even better.”

           Think of a thin strand which, by itself, could not support much weight without breaking but, if braided with other strands, it becomes a rope capable of lifting huge amounts. The strand may boast of its lifting power but it is ignoring the fact that its real strength is from others. When our strength is insufficient to lift the heavy burden, God blends or braids Himself with our feeble strand and we are able to lift and to bear things too heavy for us.

Dear Lord, though the load become heavy and I groan beneath it I shall never snap because you are braided to me. Thank you Lord! AMEN