Ecclesiastes: Overview

Ecclesiastes, along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and the Song of Solomon, is in the Wisdom Literature section of the Old Testament. These books deal with the way the world works. They mix direct statements with analogies and word pictures. Sometimes it addresses big problems—like why there is evil in the world—and other times it deals with smaller issues that can be addressed with common sense—reckless words are harmful so watch your mouth. Wisdom Literature is like philosophical writings of today with one BIG difference. Philosophy (love of wisdom) seeks to understand ourselves and the world around us in a humanistic way. Wisdom Literature seeks to understand ourselves and the world around us in a theological way. And, of course, Wisdom Literature is inspired by God. Ecclesiastes: Intro and Overview The Book The Hebrew title of the book is Qohelet, a word that means “Preacher,” or “Convener” or “Collector.” When the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek (The Septuagint), the work ekklsia was used to describe “one who calls the assembly together.” The English versions kept the Greek title, Ecclesiastes. The Hebrew word, hebel, is found 29 times in the book of Ecclesiastes. It is a “multipurpose metaphor.” Literally, it means: “mist,” “vapor,” or “breath.” Figuratively it means: “meaningless” and “futile.” Throughout the book, Solomon describes life “under the sun” as short, elusive, confusing, and wearisome (Eccl 1:3-11). The Man Solomon was a man of wisdom, wealth, and power. The last verses of 1 Kings 4 tell us that God “gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29). He wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. People from all the nations came to hear him lecture on trees, plants, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. He “was wiser than all other men…” (1 Kings 4:31) Solomon’s annual income of 666 talents of gold—a conservative estimate of $300 million in today’s economy. Solomon had all the resources to try to address life’s “vanity.” He tried to fill his empty soul with work, pleasure, and more money. But at the end of the day, all was futile “under the sun.” Solomon’s conclusion After a life of trying to find satisfaction, Solomon concluded, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Eccl 12:13-14). Solomon came to the realization that life “under the sun” was vanity. But life lived “over the sun,” loving God and an eternal perspective, counted for eternity. Why a Study of Ecclesiastes is Important 1. Ecclesiastes helps us deal with the biggest and hardest questions that we still ask today. 2. Ecclesiastes will help us live a life that truly honors God. Three Questions There are two kinds of people sitting at every funeral. There are those who say, “This is terrible, tragic, sad, and uncomfortable. I can’t wait to get out of here.” There are others who see the box in front of the room and know that one day they will be in the box. This group contemplates three questions: How will I be remembered by my family first, and then others? What is my accounting before God going to be like? Where will my soul be when my body is in the box? DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE Get Ron’s Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo. LIVING GROUNDED Learn more about how you can grow deeper and embrace the foundational truths of the Christian faith with Living Grounded. Whether you’re just starting out in faith or you’ve been a Christian for years, Living Grounded offers truth, wisdom, and encouragement for every stage. Contact gdevore@biblechapel.org to get connected. CAREGIVING Do you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org. CAMPUS FACEBOOK GROUPS You’re invited to connect with The Bible Chapel family in your campus Facebook Group. Look for Facebook Groups at facebook.com/biblechapel and click on Groups on the left side. FIND AN ENCOURAGER TODAY! JOIN A SMALL GROUP Community Groups are our easiest on-ramp to community at The Bible Chapel; these groups use sermon-based questions to dive deeper into weekly messages. Visit biblechapel.org/smallgroups to learn more and sign up!