The Book of Ecclesiastes

The author is Solomon, a man who was given by God wisdom and discernment greater

than any man. The theme established is, “all is meaningless” began with nature cycles repeating with no change here on earth (under the sun).

Why do we spend our time in study of God's word?

2nd Tim. 3:14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 2nd Tim. 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2nd Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for

correction, for training in righteousness; 2nd Tim. 3:17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Note: Understanding scripture is ultimately about preparing every believer to do the good work God has for them. It is our walk of sanctification, helping to make us holy and set apart as sacred. It is how we are disciples of Jesus and what we are to use as we disciple other believers.

-Ecclesiastes falls into the group known as Wisdom books.

Eccl. 1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Eccl. 1:2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

Other translations use in place of vanity the word "futile." The Hebrew word used here is meaningless. Something devoid of value, significance, meaning, without real substance, or permanency. We begin by noticing the repetition of words used to show the emphasis of this point. This verse is the theme of the book.

Eccl. 1:3 What advantage does man have in all his work Which he does under the sun?

Eccl. 1:4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever.

How does Solomon ask the reader to consider his statement of meaninglessness? (What advantage does man have in all his work – Which he does under the sun?) This is an example of a rhetorical question.

What does “advantage” mean? (What is the true achievement, or the evidence something substantial has been achieved.) Where is the measurement of this work being assessed? (Which he does under the sun) What does “under the sun” mean? (This is a focus on what occurs down here on the earth.

This is important to understand as it is repeated 29 times in this book. To begin with, this would be a phrase that would be inclusive of all people, not unique to a given people, like only the Israelites. Secondly, it sets up a dichotomy of viewing events on earth versus events in heaven. In spiritual terms the focus is between a

temporal view versus an eternal view of events.

Note: Two phrases are repeated often in Ecclesiastes. The word translated as “vanity” in the KJV, and “meaningless” in the NIV appears often, and is used to emphasize the temporary nature of worldly things.

In the end, even the most impressive human achievements will be left behind. The phrase “under the sun” occurs 28 times and refers to the mortal world. When the Preacher refers to “all things under the sun,” he is talking about earthly, temporary, human things.

The first seven chapters of the book of Ecclesiastes describe all of the worldly things “under the sun” that the Preacher tries to find fulfillment in. He tries scientific discovery (1:10-11), wisdom and philosophy (1:13-18), mirth (2:1), alcohol (2:3), architecture (2:4), property (2:7-8), and luxury (2:8). The Preacher turned his mind towards different philosophies to find meaning, such as materialism (2:19-20), and even moral codes (including chapters 8-9). He found that everything was meaningless, a temporary diversion that, without God, had no purpose or longevity.

When we are left to mere human outlooks and efforts, life seems hopeless and meaningless.

Human beings cannot begin to fathom the divine wisdom that undergirds and controls all things. Once human limitations are recognized, the faithful will gain a godly vision of life by renewing their reverence for God and loyalty to his commands.

In the final judgment God will eliminate the perplexing anomalies of life by judging everything

good or evil.

Note: Ecclesiastes is not an apologetic to those who are ignorant of God or rebellious against him; it is wise counsel to those cognizant of, but perplexed by, God's ways. In this respect, Ecclesiastes is like the book of Job. While Job's dialogues and monologues search for understanding of God's wisdom within the circumstance of an innocent man's suffering, Ecclesiastes is more philosophical in its approach and speaks of the condition of all humans.