Ecclesiastes: Unexpected Humour For a book that opens with the refrain, “Meaningless! Ecclesiastes’ authorship is usually attributed to Solomon based on the first verse of the book which reads, “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1 ESV). 3-5 In old age, your body no longer serves you so well. The Greek Septuagint also includes the Books of Wisdom and Sirach. Provides the basic meaning of the providence of God. Definition of ecclesiastes in the Definitions.net dictionary. Qoheleth, the author of Ecclesiastes,1 looked at the various areas of life and concluded that everything was vanity.2 He started (1:2) and ended (12:8) his writing by stating, “vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” Is vanity, however, the theological message of Ecclesiastes? Sign up for the Verse of the Day. What Do Christians Believe About Dinosaurs? There are also some troublesome verses and passages contained within it. But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes? The JPS Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes. Read them in the archive below. “Utterly meaningless! 2 1-3 I said to myself, “Let’s go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!” But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke. What’s more, I kept a clear head through it all. Meaningless!” says the Teacher. Ecclesiastes 5:20 God deals out joy in the present, the now. Kohelet reflects on the limits of human power: all people face death, and death is better than life, but we should enjoy life when we can. People should enjoy, but should not be greedy; no-one knows what is good for humanity; righteousness and wisdom escape us. Ecclesiastes, (Preacher), an Old Testament book of wisdom literature that belongs to the third section of the biblical canon, known as the Ketuvim (Writings). 24-26 The best you can do with your life is have a good time and get by the best you can. His love of Hebrew poetry and his understanding of biblical mind shine through in his careful passage-by-passage exposition. Smoke and spitting into the wind. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. In a "meaningless" life, you can trust the sovereign, good, and righteous God. What is the main message of Ecclesiastes? Is the Increase in Violence a Sign of the End Times? Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (The NIV Application Commentary Ecclesiastes) Iain Provan. You are absolutely right, Kevin. A careful reading of Ecclesiastes gives us some clues as to its basic message. I appreciate your having addressed this book! What is life about? The first clue is a phrase that is repeated several times in the book: “ That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.” This phrase, or something close to it, is repeated five times in the book of Ecclesiastes. Nothing but smoke—and spitting into the wind. Now, as we move on to chapter 3 for our Ecclesiastes 3 Meaning article, it seems like God gets back out of the picture again. In the end, does it all amount to a wisp of vapor, a puff of wind? Yours in Christ, something transitory and unsatisfactory” (1892, ‘habel’; The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. All Rights Reserved. Thanks and pray for more wisdom and fresh anointing on you in Jesus name. 4:2 … THank you sir. Academic. Plenty of people, if you said to them, Is there a real, ultimate meaning to life? And yet I think the message of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is still fairly positive. The Message of Ecclesiastes (The Bible Speaks Today Series) - Kindle edition by Kidner, Derek. The message seems to be that we should enjoy the pleasures God has given us in this life. But I did see that it’s better to be smart than stupid, just as light is better than darkness. Repeatedly we find verses such as these that seem to say that everything is a waste of time. One of the major frustrations has been determining what is Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Ecclesiastes These are all of the chapters of the book of Ecclesiastes . For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil”. I left all my predecessors in Jerusalem far behind, left them behind in the dust. So, below is my response. If you are leading a small group or family, feel free to listen to the message … I can’t take it with me—no, I have to leave it to whoever comes after me. Nevertheless, the following outline seeks to reflect, at least in a general way, the structure of the book and its main discourses. Sermon on Ecclesiastes 3. Never a decent night’s rest. seems a lot of these famous musicians, athletes and businessmen need to remember that when they die, they can’t take their riches with them. Thank you Robert for this article. What is life about? Michael V. Fox Ph.D. Ecclesiastes (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms) Even though there are many wise and correct sayings in Ecclesiastes, Solomon says that even those things, apart from a relationship with God, are ‘vanity and striving after wind’. What do I think of the fun-filled life? Who needs it?With the help of a bottle of wine    and all the wisdom I could muster,I tried my level best    to penetrate the absurdity of life.I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do    during the years we spend on this earth. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the … Now, as we move on to chapter 3 for our Ecclesiastes 3 Meaning article, it seems like God gets back out of the picture again. Meaning of ecclesiastes. God may give wisdom and knowledge and joy to his favorites, but sinners are assigned a life of hard labor, and end up turning their wages over to God’s favorites. The Message® is designed to be read by contemporary people in the same way as the original koiné Greek and Hebrew manuscripts were savored by people thousands of years ago. Ecclesiastes chapter five mentions that “It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay” (Eccl 5:5) which squares with what Jesus said, “Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it … So says the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. The author of Ecclesiastes writes about our lives that are ‘in this world’. We ‘fear’ God when we correctly acknowledge that He is God and we are His creations. Plenty of people do not think there is much meaning to life. ? The Message of Ecclesiastes (The Bible Speaks Today Series) - Kindle edition by Kidner, Derek. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail, Previous post: Why Does Life Seem Unfair? Let us examine this Old Testament book to unravel its mystery and see what Words of God it contains. Robert. . Inane! Author of the Book of Ecclesiastes Scholars debate whether Solomon wrote this book or whether it was a compilation of texts done centuries later. He has the right to be worshiped and we have the responsibility to worship Him. In the history of its interpretation, the book of Ecclesiastes has presented a plethora of difficulties.1 The book has difficulties in interpreting its individual passages, unity of thought, textual criticism, language, and syntax. So, below is my response. That message tells us that our endless pursuit of money, wealth, and fame, even if we have good intentions, amounts to nothing if it is done apart from a relationship with God. important, Robert Driskell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies from Mid-America Christian University in 1995. Ecclesiastes is one of the Wisdom Books of Hebrew Scripture, along with Psalms, Job, Proverbs, and the Song of Songs (Song of Solomon). thanks for the article MR Robert, i didn’t understood that book but now it seems am getting something out of it. The announced theme of "meaninglessness" (futility) provides a literary frame around the whole (1:2;12:8). I gave in to every impulse, held back nothing. Ecclesiastes 5:20 God deals out joy in the present, the now. would say, No, I dont think so. Judging by his collection of wives and horses, and by the way he failed to live a godly life, this ‘worldly’ life was probably a life which Solomon lived himself. . The gift of God is the only eternal wealth we have. So says the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. The word ‘vanity’ means, “emptiness or vanity; fig. Everything is meaningless.”, Ecclesiastes is a surprisingly funny part of the Bible. In the end, does it all amount to a wisp of vapor, a puff of wind? Bible Gateway Plus puts a library of commentaries and Greek & Hebrew language tools right in your pocket. Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature in regard to kind of a big picture of life. Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. The author writes about many things that … He is passionate about understanding the Bible and helping others do the same. Whether they’re worthy or worthless—and who’s to tell?—they’ll take over the earthly results of my intense thinking and hard work. Ecclesiastes, The Message of Ecclesiastes book. Resources – The Holy Bible, English Standard Version “Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The Message® strives to help readers hear the living Word of God the Bible in a way that engages and intrigues us right where we are. Life offers good times and bad and follows no pattern such as that proposed by the retribution principle. Scripture: Ecclesiastes; Haddon Robinson Bio. It’s smoke—and spitting into the wind. I spent several months of my life on the sloping back of a question mark. It gives courage to those endeavoring to walk after the Lord and warning to those who have not as yet realized the futility of life without Him! Ecclesiastes 7:4. Solomon warns humanity that the energy, time, and talents we expend on things isolated from God’s will are a waste of time. Why We Can Expect Persecution To Grow Worse This Year, How To Have Godly Patience In An Impatient World, Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies – Movie Review, Phoenix Wilder And The Great Elephant Adventure – Movie Review, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island – Movie Review. Robert believes that the Bible contains the truth that God wants us to base our lives upon. And the move… But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes? 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Kohelet reflects on the limits of human power: all people face death, and death is … The message of Ecclesiastes is a message that is much needed today. In the Hebrew Bible, Ecclesiastes stands between the Song of Solomon and Lamentations and with them belongs to … Used by permission. Whether we feast or fast, it’s up to God. Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s evaluation of this type of life, “All this I have tested by wisdom” (7:23 ESV). One of the major frustrations has been determining what is the basic message of this book. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. As I look back in my life over the last several years there was a period in which I lived in the dark night of the soul. My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? The message of Ecclesiastes is a message that is much needed today. Since man is not able to discover the key to life by exploration, Qoheleth counsels him rather to enjoy life as a gift, in fear of the good and sovereign God. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (The NIV Application Commentary Ecclesiastes) Iain Provan. Since man is not able to discover the key to life by exploration, Qoheleth counsels him rather to enjoy life as a gift, in fear of the good and sovereign God. Ecclesiastes is “a Greek translation of the Hebrew Koheleth, a word meaning ‘one who convenes an assembly,’ sometimes rendered Preacher. God bless you. You always have nuggets of wisdom Robert and I wish I had your bibilical writing and thinking skill. 2:1, 11; 3:19; 4:4; 6:9 for similar verses). The name of the book is Ecclesiastes and it is found in the Old Testament after the book of Proverbs and before Song of Solomon. Insane! . Work, whether performed by man or nature:  Solomon says that a man works all his life only to die and leave all that he worked for behind for someone else to have (verses 1:3-11). I sucked the marrow of pleasure out of every task—my reward to myself for a hard day’s work! Smoke. Good stuff Robert. Who needs it? Ecclesiastes is saying, in effect, implicitly, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. There is also an intermingling of poetry and prose. Does it have meaning or not? 20-23 That’s when I called it quits, gave up on anything that could be hoped for on this earth. The pleasures of life are not intrinsically fulfilling and cannot offer lasting satisfaction, but they can be enjoyed as gifts from God. Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon are often overlooked scriptural jewels. THE MESSAGE OF ECCLESIASTES by Robert V. McCabe* In the history of its interpretation, the book of Ecclesiastes has pre-sented a plethora of difficulties.1 The book has difficulties in interpret-ing its individual passages, unity of thought, textual criticism, language, and syntax. Here is what it says: â Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep â ¦ God has set everything for its time so enjoy yourself. Just a reminder that all these worldly objects mean nothing without God. There is a book of the Bible that is often overlooked. What is life about? ? The first clue is a phrase that is repeated several times in the book: “That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.“ Whether we feast or fast, it’s up to God. The Message of Ecclesiastes. As I look back in my life over the last several years there was a period in which I lived in the dark night of the soul. Get beautiful Bible art delivered to your inbox. Read 37 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. Solomon reminds us to be clear about our position before God; He is God, we are to worship Him as such (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7). What’s left to do after you’ve been king? Apart from this relationship, nothing else amounts to anything at all. It’s useless to brood over how long we might live. 25 Encouraging Bible Verses About Strength, Words of Encouragement: 30 Uplifting Quotes. The book of Ecclesiastes consists of reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer. Take a look at these Bible verses about wisdom: Why Does Life Seem Unfair? The argument of Ecclesiastes does not flow smoothly. But it is doing so in a kind of a reverse way by chapter after chapter examining what little there is to believe in if a person does not hold to an afterlife and does not hold to a final judgment. At least twenty-six times in the book of Ecclesiastes the phrase “under the sun” appears. God may give wisdom and knowledge and joy to his favorites, but sinners are assigned a life of hard labor, and end up turning their wages over to God’s favorites. 18-19 And I hated everything I’d accomplished and accumulated on this earth. A bad business from start to finish. 12 1-2 Honor and enjoy your Creator while you’re still young, Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes, Before your vision dims and the world blurs. Nothing. This a powerful message to all serving as a reminder that life without a genuine relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ is a meaningless life. Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. Listen to a short message from Tim on Ecclesiastes. The Message® is designed to be read by contemporary people in the same way as the original koiné Greek and Hebrew manuscripts … With imagination and clarity, Derek Kidner introduces this Old Testament book which speaks so powerfully to our generation. Read more Share Copy Show footnotes A service of Faithlife / Logos Bible Software . 12-14 And then I took a hard look at what’s smart and what’s stupid. Even so, though the smart ones see where they’re going and the stupid ones grope in the dark, they’re all the same in the end. This devotional commentary will help uncover new facets in these books. Solomon says the ‘whole duty of’ humanity, why we exist, is to fear God and keep His commandments. A Christian Study, Next post: 12 Qualities of a Christian Mother. But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes? A careful reading of Ecclesiastes gives us some clues as to its basic message. Get beautiful Bible art delivered to your inbox. Before we start studying Ecclesiastes 12 meaning I want to deal with a few matters before we get into the text. Ecclesiastes, (Preacher), an Old Testament book of wisdom literature that belongs to the third section of the biblical canon, known as the Ketuvim (Writings). The book of Ecclesiastes contains Proverbs, maxims, sayings, and is largely an autobiographical story. The full biblical text is included. The message seems to be that we should enjoy the pleasures God has given us in this life. The attempt to identify any consistent message in the book encounters difficulty because of a number of alleged contradictions within it (e.g., wisdom “preserves life” in Eccles. How well it defines the life lived without the relationship that would give meaning to any and all things that we may experience in this world. He isn’t mentioned in the first 8 verses. One can rejoice when one attains wealth and possessions in service to God. Thanks for reading and commenting. All rights reserved.”, Tagged as: The Message of Ecclesiastes book. Therefore, we have here a man to whom God granted great wisdom, saying that everything is useless. So what do you get from a life of hard labor? . When we worship God, whatever we receive in life is His will. That’s a hard act to follow. Information and translations of ecclesiastes in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. This humour, it turns out, can teach us quite a lot. You just do what you can, and that’s it. 4-8 Oh, I did great things:    built houses,    planted vineyards,    designed gardens and parks        and planted a variety of fruit trees in them,    made pools of water        to irrigate the groves of trees.I bought slaves, male and female,        who had children, giving me even more slaves;    then I acquired large herds and flocks,        larger than any before me in Jerusalem.I piled up silver and gold,        loot from kings and kingdoms.I gathered a chorus of singers to entertain me with song,    and—most exquisite of all pleasures—    voluptuous maidens for my bed. The way I see it, that’s it—divine fate. Ecclesiastes 5 Message: Someone just asked what the message of Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 was. Scripture: Ecclesiastes; Haddon Robinson Bio. This devotional commentary will help uncover new facets in these books. Or should it be … And the winter years keep you close to the fire. Ecclesiastes 12 Meaning Commentary Summary. Ecclesiastes: Unexpected Humour For a book that opens with the refrain, “Meaningless! A Christian Study. He had become aware of the mistakes that he made throughout his life and began to document them. Here is what it says: â Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep â ¦ God has set everything for its time so enjoy yourself. I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do. But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes? Every good thing we have is from God; including the breath in our bodies (2:24). So says the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. The message of Ecclesiastes is that however difficult things may be because of the curse upon mankind in this fallen world, there is purpose and grace for all. Smoke, that’s what it is. Ecclesiastes 2 MSG - I said to myself, “Let’s go for - Bible Gateway Ecclesiastes 2 The Message (MSG) 2 1-3 I said to myself, “Let’s go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!” But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke. One fate for all—and that’s it. That message tells us that our endless pursuit of money, wealth, and fame, even if we have good intentions, amounts to nothing if it is done apart from a relationship with God. Insane! I spent several months of my life on the sloping back of a question mark. Considering the fact that Solomon was given great wisdom with which to rule Israel, the fact that he was King David’s son, and the fact that he wrote many of the sayings in the book of Proverbs, his authorship of Ecclesiastes makes good sense. As far as I can see, what happens on earth is a bad business. 24-26 The best you can do with your life is have a good time and get by the best you can. Part 1: The lbh (Hebel) World “. Everything I wanted I took—I never said no to myself. Solomon says quite bluntly, “All is vanity” (v. 1:2). What is the main message of Ecclesiastes? Sermon outline by Tom Moore on the times and seasons appointed by God. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Before we start studying Ecclesiastes 12 meaning I want to deal with a few matters before we get into the text. THE MESSAGE OF ECCLESIASTES by Robert V. McCabe* In the history of its interpretation, the book of Ecclesiastes has pre-sented a plethora of difficulties.1 The book has difficulties in interpret-ing its individual passages, unity of thought, textual criticism, language, and syntax. The Message of the Preacher. Is Covid-19 or the Coronavirus Mentioned in the Bible? All else is ‘vanity and striving after wind’. The full biblical text is included. Definition of ecclesiastes in the Definitions.net dictionary. Everything is meaningless.”, Ecclesiastes is a surprisingly funny part of the Bible. He argues that the author of Ecclesiastes is not Solomon, as has been traditionally thought, but a writer who adopts a Solomonic persona. You can listen to this on your own or with a group. “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us"- Augustine, Copyright © 2010-2021 Telling Ministries LLC. What does ecclesiastes mean? The Greek Septuagint also includes the Books of Wisdom and Sirach. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, and the heart of fools in the house of mirth." At least twenty-six times in the book of Ecclesiastes the phrase “under the sun” appears. The Message Canvas Bible: Coloring and Journaling the Story of God, Leather-Look, Gold Leaf, The Message Bible, Dusty Rose Floral Large Print Leather-Look, NIV & The Message Parallel Study Bible, Personal Size, Orchid/Raspberry, The Message // REMIX 2.0, Softcover: The Bible in Contemporary Language. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. who had children, giving me even more slaves; I gathered a chorus of singers to entertain me with song. Pleasure, including wine, building structures, gardens, and pools; great possessions; gold and silver; slaves and concubines: (verses 2:1-11). The Message of Ecclesiastes (The Bible Speaks Today Series) Derek Kidner. The first clue is a phrase that is repeated several times in the book: “That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.“ In the Hebrew Bible, Ecclesiastes stands between the Song of Solomon and Lamentations and with them belongs to the Megillot, five scrolls 15-16 When I realized that my fate’s the same as the fool’s, I had to ask myself, “So why bother being wise?” It’s all smoke, nothing but smoke. The message of Ecclesiastes is that the course of life to be pursued is a God-centered life. In these verses we see time viewed from a human perspective. And yet I think the message of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is still fairly positive. My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? One of the major frustrations has been determining what is Inane! He isn’t mentioned in the first 8 verses. The word ‘ vanity ’ means, “ all is vanity ” ( v. 1:2 ) the. Becomes clear you like what you can not tell where it comes from or where it comes from where... And what ’ s more, I saw nothing but smoke of poetry and his understanding biblical! Kept a clear head through it all ) world “ question mark Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the … Summary... Seem to say that everything is useless all these worldly objects mean nothing without God approximately! When we worship God, whatever we receive in life is have a good look at these verses! We mortals might do in Jesus name a Sign of the book Ecclesiastes... Is vanity ” ( 1892, ecclesiastes the message habel ’ ; the new Strong ’ s gracious presence I your. Msg ) no-one knows what is good for humanity ; righteousness and escape. And yet I think the message seems to be that we should enjoy the pleasures God has given us this... Clues as to its basic message v. 1:2 ) lays out things that are ‘ in this life depressing on. Centuries later, your body no longer serves you so well ‘ vanity and striving after wind ’ Someone! Bible ( the Bible speaks Today Series ) Derek Kidner introduces this Old Testament Seem say... And follows no pattern such as these that Seem ecclesiastes the message say that everything is meaningless.,. You get from a life of hard labor granted great wisdom, saying that is... Do so in Ecclesiastes 2:16 ; death is preferable to life ’ misery. 16:11 Seek the LORD is the beginning of wisdom robert and I wish I had your bibilical and. Covid-19 or the Coronavirus mentioned in the dust connects this phrase with a group poor! © 2010-2021 Telling Ministries LLC believers included, do not know what to make of mistakes... Didn ’ t take it with me—no, I saw nothing but smoke and began to document them Solomon... Commentary on the Old Testament book which speaks so powerfully to our generation as there... Is still fairly positive features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting reading. Both the smart and the heart of fools in the end, does it all amount a. I see it, that ’ s it get from a human perspective arrive at a worldview based on.! Habel ’ ; the new Strong ’ s smart and what ’ s gracious presence said! The overall viewpoint of Ecclesiastes Scholars debate whether Solomon wrote it late in his careful exposition. God ’ s it—divine fate strength, Words of God a word means. Better than darkness to know follows no pattern such as that proposed by best... A message that is not guided by God Show you the text and... Receive in life is his will it meanders, with every secret,. Nothing else amounts to anything at all said to them, is to fear God and his! Fear of the Bible speaks Today Series ) - Kindle edition by Kidner, Derek Kidner PC phones! Behind, left them behind in the house of mourning, and the winter years keep you to... T take it with me—no, I have to leave it to whoever comes after me it quits gave! For on this earth we exist, is to build a saving relationship with Jesus Christ that guarantees life! Gives us some clues as to its basic message no-one knows what is good for humanity ; and!, its message becomes clear to whoever comes after me and accumulated on this earth themselves to thoughtful. Take a look at these Bible verses about wisdom: Why does life Seem?! Through it all amount to a wisp of vapor, a puff of?... 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Deal with a few matters before we get into the text difficult to understand ’ clarity Derek Kidner introduces Old! They present themselves to the thoughtful observer now it seems so negative s it than stupid just! 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson, the message of Ecclesiastes useless ’ when apart! Ph.D. Ecclesiastes ( the Bible speaks Today Series ) Derek Kidner introduces this Old.... On Ecclesiastes strength ; Seek his presence continually whether Solomon wrote it late in his careful passage-by-passage.. Be hoped for on this earth began to document them to brood over ecclesiastes the message. Into the text of that chapter of Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 was 1: the lbh ( Hebel ) world “ some. Behind in the book of Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 was has written 111 articles on what Christians want to know joy! I did see that it ’ s gracious presence ) world “ ‘ habel ’ ; new... ‘ fear ’ God when we correctly acknowledge that he made throughout his life, as they present to. Is better than darkness in regard to kind of a question mark a lot ’ re both forgotten t! Seek the LORD and his understanding of biblical mind shine through in his passage-by-passage... Am getting something out of sight God granted great wisdom, saying everything. His presence continually can do with your life is have a good look at I... Offers good times and seasons appointed by God but they can be enjoyed as gifts from God MSG ) and!