Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes

Finding the Context:

1.     What do you see in this book that tells about the Original Reader?

The readers of Ecclesiastes would have been the Israelite’s who lived in Solomon’s time. The Israelite’s of this time would have been a new type of Israelite. During David’s reign, there was constant war and there would not have been time to think a lot about the deeper matters of life. Solomon’s time would have been a time of peace giving them time to think about these things. Also, at this time the kingdom was very rich and people would have related with issues regarding wealth and celebrating. More specifically it was written to young people. You find in the closing chapters of this book, several references addressing young people (11:9; 12:1,6, 12) instructing them on the importance of remembering and fearing God while they are young.

2.     What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Most likely the author is Solomon. It is written from his perspective seeing as he was the wisest person of his time. 1:1 says that these are the words of David’s son who ruled. The author also says that he, the teacher, was king of Israel and that he lived in Jerusalem (1:12). It is possible that someone else wrote the last few verses of the last chapter. 12:9 refers to, “the teacher” and says that he was considered wise and he taught the people all that he knew.

3.     What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one-sentence summary of the “main idea”?

Ecclesiastes was written to instruct young people on the importance of fearing God instead of trying to find satisfaction in life’s meaningless things.

One of the repeated ideas throughout this book is found in the repetition of the word “meaningless” and in the expression, “chasing the wind”. These words are stated over and over again throughout the book (1:14; 2:1,11,15,17,26; 4:4,6; 6:9,14; 11:8,10; 12:8). The author focuses on how vain everything in life is in perspective to why we are really here.

The idea of gifts is also mentioned in Ecclesiastes. Despite the fact that the author says that everything is meaningless, he also says several times that it is good to eat, drink and enjoy the fruit of your labors because they are gifts from God. Even though they are not the point of life, God still likes us to enjoy gifts from His hand (2:24; 3:12-13; 5:18-20; 8:15).

4.     What is the primary reason this book was written?

      Ecclesiastes was written to show the uselessness of life apart from God. Solomon describes how he tried to find satisfaction in wisdom (1:17,18), pleasure (2:1), wine and foolishness (2:3) and building things for himself (2:4,5) but nothing brought him satisfaction. He goes to great lengths to show that everything in life is completely meaningless and purposeless. Then at the end of the book, the reason for life and everything in it is given, which is to know God even from a young age (12:6).

Theme Tracing:

1.     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

God is mentioned as the Creator in 7:29; 12:1,6.  He is the one who created everything including us and because He is the One that created and designed everything, nothing makes sense or has any meaning apart from Him. He is the source of everything and without Him everything truly is meaningless. This is why the author states that the whole point of life is found here.

God is also named the Judge. 12:13,14. He will judge everyone’s actions no matter how secret they may seem. He sees everyone’s hearts and knows when they stray from Him (7:29).

2.     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Ecclesiastes reveals that God is the ultimate Judge (12:13,14). Everyone will have to give account to him in the end for every action and word. Yet, you also see how redeeming God is in the fact that Solomon is probably writing this near the end of his life. He is pouring out wisdom and instruction to young people despite all the evil he did towards the end of his life. In 1:1,12 he refers to himself in the past tense as having ruled. Likewise, the concluding author refers to the teacher in past tense. God is able to and longs to redeem and use everyone who wants to be used by Him.

Application Questions:

1.     Personal Application

It is encouraging to me that God loves to give me gifts even though they may not be meaningful in light of eternity. Things in this life are so meaningless when you put them in the perspective of all of eternity but God still delights in giving me those gifts anyways because He knows I will enjoy them. I am so thankful for all of the little and big gifts that God brings along my path. While things in this world are not meaningful apart from God, God is able to bring meaning to anything and everything when He is involved in it and I am so grateful to Him for that.

2.     Point of Passion

As leaders in ministry it is easy to get caught up in what is being “done” for God. People tend to define who they are or how they are doing with God based on “what” they are doing for God. Ecclesiastes shows the meaninglessness of every action apart from God. Even searching out wisdom was considered meaningless to Solomon, the wisest man in the world (1:17,18). It is important to always keep in mind that our actions are not where we find ultimate satisfaction. Apart from God they are all worthless. Real fruit and satisfaction comes from knowing God, the Creator (12:6). Ecclesiastes says that it is our duty to fear God and obey His commands (12:14). If we are doing that, we will find satisfaction because God is the one who gives us the satisfaction that we long for.