1)

Bereishis Rabah (34:10) says that a Tzadik speaks El Libo, and a Rasha speaks b'Libo. Koheles said b' Libo (here, and below 15, 3:17-18), and also Avraham did (Bereishis 17:17)!

1.

Ma'ase Hashem (Ma'asei Avos 21, Yayera): The Midrash expounds based on the majority, even though there are exceptions.

2.

Ha'Emek Davar (Bereishis 17:17): This rule applies only when the person's name is mentioned.

3.

Shlomo wrote Koheles at the end of his life, after his wives veered his heart. Just like a verse (Melachim I, 11:7) attributes to him as if he built a Bamah to idolatry, so here it says b'Libo, as if he were a Rasha 1 . (PF)


1

This cannot answer for Avraham! Chizkuni (Bereishis 17:17) - the rule does not apply to Avraham, for he was astounded in his heart.

2)

Why did he say "Lecha Na"?

1.

Metzudas Tziyon: It was to invigorate himself, like "v'Atah Lechu v'Nahargehu" (Bereishis 37:20); Yosef was coming to them. "Na" means now.

3)

Why did he decide to try Simchah?

1.

Rashi: Since much Chachmah adds anger, I will cease Chachmah, and engage in Simchah.

2.

Ri Kara: Since I will leave my wealth to others, I should enjoy what I toiled for!

3.

Rid: Because all worldly matters are Hevel.

4)

What is the meaning of "Anasecha v'Simchah"?

1.

Rav Sadya Gaon: I will enter Simchah in my heart, and it will attain good and happiness.

2.

Rashi: It is an expression of Masach (mixing) wine, like "Maschah Yeinah" (Mishlei 9:2) - mixing wine with water to fix it 1 , or mixing it with spices to make spiced wine.

3.

Ibn Ezra, Rid, Targum: Anasecha is like Anaseh Osecha, from the root Nasah (to try). Ibn Ezra - we find like this "Achavecha Shma Li" (Iyov 15:7), "Achanecha v'Lo Yedatani" (Yeshayah 45:5).

4.

Rashbam: Anasecha is an expression of Nesichos and Katzinus (royalty, authority). I will conduct with authority of Simchah, to hear Sarim v'Saros 2 , so I will be happy.

5.

Seforno: I will conduct my kingship and Nesichos (authority) with Simchah of pleasures.

6.

Metzudas David: I will do a Nisayon (experiment), to engage in Simchah and seeing nice things that are pleasant to the eye and rejoice the heart. Perhaps this is the correct path!


1

In the days of Chazal, pure wine was too strong to drink. Normally, it was diluted with two or three times as much as water as wine. (PF)

2

Refer to 2:8:6:1-7.

5)

What is the meaning of "u'Re'eh v'Tov"?

1.

Rashi: This is like u'Re'os b'Tov. (To see good; it is not a command.)

2.

Rashbam: To have laughter and joy.

3.

Seforno: I will despise spiritual good and attaining eternity, and consider it withheld [from me].

4.

Metzudas Tziyon: It is seeing nice things that are pleasant to the eye and rejoice the heart.

6)

Why is this Hevel?

1.

Rashi: I saw via Nevu'ah great ruin that comes from laughter. Belshatzar died amidst a Mishteh, and Dor ha'Mabul was flooded amidst great good that You bestowed on them.

2.

Rashbam: I do not get any gain from laughter and joy.

3.

Ri Kara: Refer to 2:2:5:2.

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