#24 Introduction to Ecclesiastes: Theme and Development

 

Notes on Ecclesiastes

  • Name:
    - Hebrew – “Qoheleth” (“convener of an assembly for instruction”)
    - Greek – “Ecclesiastes” (“Teacher/Preacher”)
  • Author: Solomon? (cf. 1:1, 12, 16; 12:9-10)
  • Date:
    - 950? (if directly from Solomon)
    - 400-250? (if gathered and/or composed after the exile)
  • Reason for inclusion in the Bible – link to Solomon
  • Theme: “All is meaningless!” (1:2; 12:8)
    - If this is a closed system world, all is tragedy & meaningless
    - If there is a God, life is brief but meaningful
    - If you believe the latter, live boldly, joyfully and godly!
  • Literary forms:
    - Personal Reflections – e.g., chapter 2
    - Rhetorical Questions – e.g., 1:3, 10; 2:2, 12
    - Proverbs – e.g., 1:4-9, 15, 18; 3:1-8; 4:5-6; 7:1-13; 9:17-11:4
    - Allegory – e.g., 12:1-7

 

Worldview Options

  • Closed System:
    - No external information or forces
    - Human life is accidental and holds no more meaning than any other object
    - Bible is a purely human product
  • Impersonal Intelligent Design:
    - “Life” & “Time” are the creative edge that shape existence in a closed system
    - Human life is meaningful insofar as it plays out its role and obeys “designed” purposes
    - Bible is a record and reflection upon that design
  • Creator/Creation Open System:
    - Existence is planned and intended by God
    - Human life is honored, compromised, and redeemable
    - Bible is part of the divine/human redemptive link

 

Ecclesiastes in Outline

  • Prologue: Theme (“Meaninglessness”) & Brief Explanation (1:1-11)
  • Meaningless Things: Wisdom, Pleasures, Folly, Toil (1:12-2:26)
  • Interlude: The Bondage of Time (3)
  • Other Meaningless Things: Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness, Political Advancement, Unfulfilled Vows to God, Amassing Wealth (4:1-6:12)
  • In order to stay sane, get practical wisdom (7:1-8:6)
  • Reflections on all the Teacher’s Observations: (8:7-12:7)
    - The meaning of life must be found beyond life—in God alone
    - All of life is progressing toward a common end
    - So enjoy life while you have it
    - And be wise
    In summary—Live Boldly! Live Joyfully! Live Godly!
  • Epilogue: The Theme and Its Value, Plus Final Reminders (12:8-14)

Last modified: Thursday, August 9, 2018, 9:31 AM