Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes addresses the times when life doesn’t make sense—when it seems that wisdom cannot offer any satisfactory answers. The author takes an honest, unflinching look at wealth and labor, pleasure and wisdom. The speaker finally decides that they are ultimately meaningless in themselves. But the book also concludes that realizing such limitations should encourage us to approach God with awe (Eccl 12:9–14).

Background

The title “Ecclesiastes” comes from the Latin translation of the Hebrew term qoheleth in the opening verse. This word, which refers to someone who assembles a group, is often translated as “teacher” or “preacher” and sometimes just transliterated by interpreters as Qoheleth. Because the speaker describes himself as David’s son and the king in Jerusalem over all Israel (1:1, 12), Ecclesiastes has been attributed to Solomon, who was known for his wisdom and wealth (compare 1:16; 2:1–11; 12:9). This would indicate a 10th-century bc date for the work.

Yet the general perspective and vocabulary of Ecclesiastes could suggest another author. When speaking of injustice, the author does not speak as someone who can do something about it, yet a king could (3:16; 4:1; 5:8–9; 7:7; 8:9). Also, the inclusion of Aramaic and Persian words—not in usage in Hebrew texts until around 539 bc—suggests a date after that time, perhaps as late as the third century bc. If the work is not composed by Solomon, then the speaker’s remarks that make him sound like Solomon are meant to place the work within the tradition of Solomon’s wisdom. There is also the possibility that some of the content originated with Solomon and later composers or editors were involved in the final form.

Structure

Ecclesiastes is a journey. It begins with a prologue (1:1–11) that introduces the Teacher (or Preacher) and his theme: Life is mysterious and seems to make no difference at all. The Teacher then describes his search for wisdom and meaning in life—a quest that ends in frustration (1:12–6:12). The second half of the book focuses on wisdom, as the Teacher begins to shift from relying primarily on reason to trusting in the personhood and ways of God (7:1–12:7). Like all things in life, wisdom ultimately comes from the Creator. An epilogue (12:9–14) sums up the words of the Teacher and the main lesson of his quest: Fear God, and obey His commandments.

The idea of fearing God—viewing Him with reverence and awe—is a key part of Proverbs. Both Ecclesiastes and Proverbs are part of the genre of ot Wisdom Literature, which involves an examination of how life works and offers guiding principles for navigating it.

Outline

• Introduction: The theme of emptiness (1:1–11)

• The search for meaning (1:12–6:12)

• The Teacher’s advice (7:1–12:8)

• Conclusion: Fear God, and obey His commands (12:9–14)

Themes

Ecclesiastes makes a point of showing that life is perplexing and short (1:2–11). It also illustrates the confusion of life, questioning why the wicked prosper and injustice abounds (3:16; 4:1–5). The author shows the limitations of wisdom while affirming its importance (2:12–17; 7:1–13).

Absurdity will figure prominently in life because no one can really control their life. Human life involves mourning and dancing, silence and speaking, death and healing—and true wisdom is finding contentment in all of these times (5:20).

Ecclesiastes exposes the utter emptiness of life without God. The pursuits often thought to give life meaning—wealth, work, power, knowledge, and pleasure—are all fleeting. They are ultimately poor substitutes for serving God (Eccl 12). Likewise, learning cannot result in a meaningful life, because there will always be something that doesn’t make sense. As the author discovers, self-reliance and reason are deceptive devices. The pain of our struggles with futility and injustice should rightly prompt us to go to God. We must acknowledge that we cannot understand life, God, or God’s ways (3:11; 8:17).

Ecclesiastes highlights the incredible peace that comes with entrusting our lives to God (3:12–14; 12:9–14). The best a person can do is to enjoy what is given to them (3:13, 22), fear and obey the God who gives life (8:10–13), and stand alongside other people (4:9–12).

The results a person can achieve offer them no real advantage (5:8–20). Nothing can help a person escape the frailty of human existence—everyone dies (9:1–6). Only God can offer anything lasting (8:10–13). This point shows how desperately we need eternal relationship with God through Jesus (John 3:16–17). Everything else is just a part of the journey—and for that reason, it is always worth taking risks for God, knowing that He is the ultimate judge of everything (Eccl 11).

Further Reading

Wisdom Literature

Ecclesiastes, Book of LBD:I