according to Qohelet, was easy prey of robbers, while two could provide resistance and aid to one another. The whole section concludes with a proverb, and one that has generated a significant discussion due to the unexpected occurrence of the number three, its possible ancient Near Eastern background, and the Christological speculation that grew up around it in early church history. It is true that throughout this section it has been the number two that has been the positive opposite to one. The