Under the sun

Qoheleth could have used the phrase "under the heavens" to describe life on earth full of breath/vanity. I think he used the phrase he did because:

1. The word "under" has connotations of rule in the OT, and perhaps even harsh rule (cf. Paul's use of "under the law")
2. For Israelites the "sun" was not the happy smiley face in the skies that English people think of. The favourite weather forecast for Israelites was rain because sun meant baking heat. It was "oppressive" weather when the sun ruled the skies.