Ecclesiastes 6:3

An hundred children. The word translated “children” is not in the Hebrew text, but is obviously to be understood. To have many sons was the devout hope of every Jew, who looked upon his children as a rich blessing received from the Lord (Gen. 24:60; Ps. 127:3-5). The number given is a round figure used as equivalent to “many” (Gen. 26:12; 2 Sam. 24:3; Prov. 17:10). But compare the size of Rehoboam’s family (2 Chron. 11:21) with that of Allah’s (2 Kings 10:1).

Years be many. Premature death was looked upon as a curse, even as longevity was regarded as a desirable blessing (Ex. 20:12; Deut. 11:9, 21; cf. Ps. 90:10).

No burial. This represents the supposed climax of all the evil that can come upon a man. Not to be properly buried was regarded as dishonoring in the extreme. Compare David’s threat to Goliath (1 Sam. 17:46) and the experience of Jehoiakim (Jer. 22:18, 19). Like the heathen around them, the Hebrews attached great importance to burial with honor (see Isa. 14:19, 20; Jer. 16:4, 5).

Untimely birth. A stillborn child, one that had never lived (see Job 3:16; Ps. 58:8). Though the stillborn child enjoys none of the pleasures of life, it also suffers none of life’s pains and disappointments.