12:1 Creator Emphasizes God’s sovereignty in relation to the limits of human wisdom (see note on Job 38:1–41:34).

The Name Theology of the Old Testament

the days of trouble The author encourages people to enjoy life while they are young—before the troubles of old age described in Eccles 12:2–7.

12:2 darken Best understood as a metaphor for failing eyesight due to aging or a general statement about the coming storm that represents death.

12:4 the doors on the street are shut Possibly a general reference to the dimming of the senses or a metaphor for hearing loss.

the sound of the grinding mill is low May describe a loss of hearing or teeth (v. 3), or an inability to work.

one rises up to the sound of the bird Probably refers to loss of sleep.

12:5 almond tree blossoms Since the almond tree’s flowers were white, this likely refers to hair turning white.

grasshopper draws itself along Possibly a metaphor for the decreased mobility of old age.

12:6 is broken Several vessels are broken that are meant to hold water, which is a symbol of life (2 Sam 14:14).

12:7 dust returns to the earth Dust returning to the earth calls to mind the curse of Gen 3:19.

12:8 the Teacher See note on Eccles 1:1.

Everything is vanity This closing refrain repeats the book’s opening phrase while reemphasizing the theme that life is senseless and absurd. See note on 1:2.

12:9 The Teacher was full of wisdom The epilogue begins by describing the author (qoheleth; see note on 1:1) and extolling his wisdom—something the author himself previously noted (1:16).

he taught the people with knowledge The author was not simply a wise man; he was also an educator and writer. By highlighting the author’s wisdom and work, the epilogue validates his message that “everything is senseless” (1:2; 12:8).

12:10 he wrote what is upright—truthful words This verse indicates the author’s integrity and the importance he placed on speaking honestly about life.

delightful words While the author desired to write pleasing words as he examined life, he discovered that life often fails to allow for them. The author calls these words in Hebrew divre-chephets, which may be literally rendered as “words of joy.” But instead of writing these words, the author focused on writing an honest description of life that addresses its difficulties. The author calls these words in Hebrew yosher divre emeth; literally “honest words of truth.” The words of Ecclesiastes may not be pleasing, but they are honest.

12:11 cattle goads Pointed sticks used to drive or guide cattle.

12:12 My son Wisdom literature was traditionally presented as a father’s teachings to his son (Prov 1:8; 2:1; 3:1; 4:10; 5:1).

For the writing of books Refers to a human search for wisdom.

12:13 the final conclusion The book reaches its conclusion. The definiteness of this advice contrasts with the unending, wearisome, and ultimately futile search for wisdom of the previous verse.

Fear God and obey his commandments In light of humanity’s limitation and God’s supremacy as seen throughout the book, the only proper attitude in life is one of trust and obedience to God. See note on Eccles 3:14.

the whole duty of man Fearing God and keeping His commandments are the duties of all people.

12:14 every deed into judgment Even though injustice and oppression are prevalent on earth, the book concludes with an assertion of divine justice. Faith in God’s justice leads the author to encourage people to fear God and keep His commandments.