We should remember that at the time that Ecclesiastes was written Israel was an agrarian society. Agriculture and livestock farming were most important for subsistence. The population was dependent on the harvest in their own area for their daily food. If there was a poor harvest and some of the livestock had died due to disease, it meant famine. A king who promoted agriculture in his reign was a blessing to the country. This showed his love for his people. Rulers who want to serve God seek, in their governance, what is truly good for the entire nation. Here are two examples of this in the book of Proverbs:
1. Proverbs 29:4, Proverbs 29:14: By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down... If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.
2. In Proverbs 31:8–9 we read of the instruction for King Lemuel: Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.