Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Chasing the wind, all is vanity

Chasing the Wind: All is Vanity

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

 

What is Ecclesiastes? (v. 1)

•      A book of deep wisdom based on the personal experience of its author

•      It is a book that is best understood when one knows the end from the beginning (Ecc. 12:13)

•      It is written in poetic form

•      The author: The Preacher

–     Hebrew: Qoheleth; Greek: Ecclesiastes

•      One who speaks to the assembly

–     Son of David, king in Jerusalem

•      Any of David’s ancestors

•      Probably Solomon

–     Known both for his wisdom and his extravagance

 

All is Vanity (v. 2)

•      Vanity: Lacking in lasting effect

–     הֶבֶל (hebel): “vapor” or “breath”; fleeting

–     Something that will not satisfy or last

•      A summary of the theme of the book

–     Life apart from God is unsatisfying

 

The Monotony of Life (v. 3-7)

•      Despite all of our efforts and how important we think we are

–     The world will keep spinning without us

•      There is seemingly never-ending pattern to life

–     Both for humanity

–     And for Creation (see Rom. 8:19-21)

•      This thought ought to humble us

–     But not depress us*

 

Nothing New (v. 8-11)

•      Even our senses fail to bring us satisfaction

•      This cycle of dissatisfaction is a result, in part, of humanity’s inability to learn from our past

 

So What?

•      Life apart from God is unsatisfying

•      Thus, we need God to have true meaning in life

–     Do you find your meaning in your relationship with God?

–     Are you sharing the hope that you have with others?

 

Meditation Verse: Ecc. 12:13