Note that the word “yevuhar” is read as “yebuhar“. The first would mean the one who chooses life entirely; the second means who is joined to life entirely. Both meanings work in this context. Some might suggest that the source of value in the world is life itself. However, Kohelet hints that if life is all that counts, then is this value superior to the value of nobility, beauty, integrity or self sacrifice? Surely the security which is afforded by the simple view that life is to be preferred above all is an illusion. Even people who believe this certainly die, and focusing on preserving life only, they are likely to forego their opportunity to be remembered for the noble traits which they could have cultivated. Alternatively, the translation could be rendered, “The dog has a good life because of the lion that died.” In other words, the lion is the dead lion provides opportunity for the living dog, and the wellbeing of the dog is due to the efforts and understanding of the dead lion rather than his own achievement. This interpretation is parallel to the sense of 2:18,19 where the one who rules over all of my achievements and accomplishments may well be a fool. Even if I am a great lion, my inheritor may be a living dog.
Perhaps the realm of reward and punishment is not only after life, but also a different side of our current perception. "Sheol", which is translated here as "the abyss", conveys the idea that after death is impenetrable darkness. In contemporary physics, we find the notion of “dark matter” and “dark energy”. They cannot be directly detected, but we assume they must exist if the rest of this paradigm is to hold together. Similarly, no one can report reliably from where you are going, yet we believe in the existence of a realm we cannot directly observe. We are advised not to look to what will happen after life runs its course, any more than we can expect to find simple justice under the sun. Fantastic eschatology is a distraction, yet focusing merely on the uncertain rewards of this world is inherently unsatisfactory. The uplifting theme of Kohelet sounds throughout: Accept the portion which has been allocated to you. Diligently undertake the tasks which present themselves. Be confident that the task which lies before you is appropriate. Fulfilling the assignment to the best of your ability is the source of real joy. The consequence of this perspective is that you will be able to enjoy your days. Moreover, your worthwhile deeds may even qualify to be remembered -- probably more than any monuments you may build or fortune you may acquire. This is the gift of God, the fulfillment of the human spirit is here and now, yet it is not under the sun. Compare Pirke Avot, 4:19-22.