I. Introduction
A. The book of Ecclesiastes has long fascinated many people.
1. Many think it is one of the most puzzling books in the Old Testament.
2. It is considered by some to be the most melancholy book of the Bible.
B. It is not a book Christians should ignore.
1. In our materialistic society, there is a great need to understand its basic message.
2. In our youth-oriented society, it is of special value as its message appears to be directed at the young.
C. As with all Old Testament scripture, it was written:
1. For our learning (Rom. 15:4)
2. For our admonition (1 Cor. 10:11) 3. For doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
II. An introduction to the book
A. Title
1. In the Hebrew Bible, the book is called “Qoheleth.”
a. This means “the words of the preacher” (cf. 1:1):
b. The term suggests one who speaks to an assembly, an ecclesiastic or preacher.
2. The translators of the Septuagint version called it “Ekklesiastes.”
a. This also means “preacher.”
b. This is derived from the word “ekklesia” (assembly).
B. Authorship
1. Jewish and early Christian traditions attribute the book to Solomon.
2. The author identifies himself only as “the son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1).
3. Internal references certainly point to Solomon, for example:
a. His wisdom (1:16; cf. 1 Kings 3:12)
b. His building activities (2:4-6; cf. 1 Kings 7:1-12).
c. His wealth (2:7-9; cf. 2 Chron. 9:13-28).
C. Date
1. It is assumed by many that Solomon is indeed the author.
2. That would place the date of the book around 945 B.C.
D. Message
1. The futility of life “under the sun” (cf. 1:2,14)
a. A key word is “vanity” whic occurs 35 times in 29 verses and, which means “futility, uselessness, nothingness.”
b. A key phrase is “under the sun” which occurs 29 times in 27 verses and, which suggests “from an earthly point of view.”
c. The book illustrates the vanity of life when looked at solely from an earthly perspective.
2. The importance of serving God throughout life (cf. 11:9-12:1, 13-14).
a. The meaning of life is not found in experiencing the things of this world.
b. The meaning of life is found in serving the Creator of this world!
E. The book contains “goads” and “nails” (12:11).
1. Words of the wise, designed to “goad” or “prod” our thinking.
2. Words of the preachers (literally, “masters of the assemblies”), given to “nail” or “anchor” our lives.
3. In this book, we find statements that prod our thinking and exhortations that provide stability and direction for living.
III. The prologue to the book
A. Author identified (1:1)
1. “The Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.”
2. These are the words of Solomon.
a. A dramatic autobiography of his experiences and observations.
b. Perhaps some came from the time he was alienated from God! (1 Kings 11:1-13)
c. Some of the preliminary conclusions expressed throughout the book may have been drawn while he was still alienated and searching for meaning.
d. If written by Solomon and penned toward the end of his life, this would be evidence that Solomon repented before his death.
B. Theme stated (1:2)
1. “Vanity of vanities . . . vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
2. All is futile, useless, and meaningless.
3. Of course, this vanity pertains to life “under the sun” (cf. 1:14).
4. All the effort one makes in life, as far as “this life” is concerned, is like “grasping for the wind.”
C. Question raised (1:3)
1. “What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?”
2. This is the question the “Preacher” sought to answer.
a. Is there any value or profit for all the things we do on this earth?
b. If our labor is meaningless as far as this life is concerned, what can we do?
3. In this book he will share:
a. What he learned from personal experience.
b. What he learned from personal observations.
c. Wise counsel based upon the wisdom and inspiration God gave him.
IV. Conclusion
A. Solomon begins to answer his own question in the next verse, which we will save for our next study.
B. It has been said that the Bible answers life’s most often-asked questions, such as:
1. Who am I?
2. Where did I come from?
3. Why am I here?
4. What am I to be doing?
C. The book of Ecclesiastes certainly addresses such questions; which is why:
1. It is worthy of our careful study.
2. It is of value to all, especially young people.
3. I pray, therefore, that we will hear what the “Preacher” will have to say to us.
4. There is another “Preacher,” also “the son of David,” who is “king in Jerusalem.” His name is Jesus, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3).
5. Have you heeded the words of that Preacher (cf. Matt. 7:21-23; Mark 16:15, 16)?
General Conference Ministerial Association
