What makes Ecclesiastes special?

The book’s title comes from the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew word Qoheleth, which means “one who assembles.” The author is not known, but many suggest he was a teacher, preacher, or philosopher. The author is not telling a story, but is sharing his thoughts on the meaning of life. He uses sayings, proverbs, and poems to illustrate his point. A key phrase, “nothing makes sense” (or “vanity of vanities” in other translations), begins and ends the book (1.2; 12.8), and is repeated throughout the book, emphasizing that the answers to many of life’s questions are not easy to find.

Why was Ecclesiastes written?

This book is a search for meaning in life. The writer sees that from the human viewpoint life is full of contradictions and mysteries. Hard work is a gift from God (5.19), but work can be painful and senseless (2.17), because after people die they won’t have anything to show for their hard work (5.13-15), and others will get to enjoy their wealth (6.2). When people are poor, no one pays attention to them (9.16), but being wealthy doesn’t guarantee happiness and satisfaction either (2.4-11; 5.10-12). Wisdom is better than foolishness, but whether a person is wise or foolish, everyone dies (2.13-16; 3.20), and knowing too much can be painful (1.18). Above all, human wisdom cannot not help people understand the ways of God (8.17), who makes everything happen (3.11; 6.10; 7.13, 14; 9.1). People are to respect and obey God (5.7; 8.12,13; 12.13), for God will judge what they do (12.4; 3.17). But the same thing happens to all people, whether they live right or sin (9.2).

With life being so full of contradictions, where do humans find meaning? It is not surprising that some readers think the message of E cclesiastes lacks hope and gives no answers regarding the meaning of life. However, others see hope and answers in the author’s repeated invitations to enjoy life as a gift from God (2.24-26). The author faces life’s realities and sees how senseless life can seem to people with limited (human) understanding. But he also recognizes God’s gifts and finds joy in them. He cannot understand God’s mysterious ways, but he knows God holds the future. And so, he holds on to God and urges others to respect God and keep God’s commandments, too.

What’s the story behind the scene?

The wise author is identified in 1.1 as being a son of David and a king in Jerusalem. While Solomon is not mentioned by name anywhere in Ecclesiastes, he is the only one of David’s sons who was a king in Jerusalem (1 Kgs 1). Also, Solomon was known for his wisdom and was given credit for writing many wise sayings and songs (1 Kgs 3.5-12; 4.29-34; Prov 1.1).

It was not uncommon in ancient times to write “in the name” of an important person such as Solomon, and most scholars now agree that Solomon did not write Ecclesiastes. One reason they believe this is that the Hebrew language of this book appears to come from a period many centuries after the time of Solomon, who ruled around 970 to 931 B.C. Also, the presence of Persian words suggests that the book was written sometime after the exile when the people returned to Judah from exile in Babylon (538 B.C.). From this time on, for nearly two hundred years, the Jewish people were strongly influenced by Persian language and culture. Another reason many scholars don’t think Solomon wrote this book personally is that the writer speaks as though he is not a king, but a subject (5.8,9; 8.2-5; 10.5-7,16,17,20).

How is Ecclesiastes constructed?

The following is just one of the dozens of different outlines that have been suggested for Ecclesiastes. The book’s title (also known as a “superscription”) is given in 1.1, and a repeated theme phrase in 1.2 and 12.8 begins and ends the main body of the book. In the outline below the main body has been divided into three sections. A conclusion (or “epilogue”) is found in 12.9-14.

• A wise person and the search for the meaning in life (1.1—2.26)
1. One known to be very wise (1.1)
2. The search for meaning in life (1.2—2.26)
• Life is puzzling, but it’s a gift from God (3.1—11.6)
• Enjoy life and remember God while you are young (11.7—12.8)
• Conclusion (12.9-14)

A Wise Person and the Search for Meaning in Life

A key theme of the book is introduced at the very beginning (1.2; see also 12.8). The author says, “Nothing makes sense” and that life’s meaning is not found in working hard, gaining wealth and property, or even in seeking wisdom. All these things are as difficult and impossible as chasing the wind.

One Known to Be Very Wise

The Search for Meaning in Life

Life Is Puzzling, but It’s a Gift from God

The author uses observations of life, wise sayings, and proverbs to continue to explore life’s meaning. Even though he knows God controls what happens in life and that God has power over everyone (3.11,17,18; 9.1-3), he still sees that there are many contradictions and mysteries in life. Because finding answers is so complicated, the author concludes once again that the best thing to do is to stop searching and enjoy life as a gift from God (5.18-20; 8.15; 9.7).

Enjoy Life and Remember God While You Are Young

The author emphasizes the importance of enjoying life each day, because life will soon end in death (11.8). Remembering God and appreciating God’s creation are especially important when young, since growing old causes physical problems that make enjoying life more difficult.

Conclusion

The author’s mood and thoughts change suddenly as he concludes his book by saying that everything life is about boils down to respecting and obeying God.

Questions about Ecclesiastes 1.1—2.26

1. How would you describe the author of Ecclesiastes? (Introduction and note at 1.1).

2. How does the author describe life? (1.8-11) What do you think of this view?

3. Think about the statement in 1.18. Can you think of experiences in your own life or in the lives of others that show this to be true?

4. How did the author try to find out “what was best for us” and make himself happy? (2.1-10) What did he discover? (2.10,11)

5. How does the author describe “wisdom”? (2.13,14) According to the author, did “being wise” seem to make a difference? (2.15-19) Why or why not?

6. What conclusion does the author come to in 2.24,25?

7. What do you think of the author’s view of God in 2.26? 

Questions about Ecclesiastes 3.1—12.14

1. The author believes that everything on earth has its own time and season (3.1-8). According to the author, who controls everything that happens and when? (3.11,15) How might such a philosophy affect how a person lives his or her life?

2. What kinds of “terrible things” is the author describing in 4.1-3? The author suggests that it would be better not to be born than to have seen these terrible things. But how might those who have been born respond to evil and injustice in the world?

3. What does the author say about proper worship and respect for God? (5.1-7)

4. The book says a wide variety of things about money and wealth (see 5.10-12, 13-15; 6.2; 7.11; 10.19; 11.1). What is your reaction to these passages? How do you think the author’s comments fit with modern understandings of wealth and money?

5. What do you think the author means when he says, “Keep to the middle of the road”? (7.16-18) Do you agree with this advice? Why or why not?

6. What is the author’s view of growing old? (12.1-7) How does this compare with your own view?

7. For you, which of the following statements seems to be a better summary of the author’s view of life in Ecclesiastes?“ Nothing makes sense.” (12.8).“Respect and obey God!” (12.13).Explain your choice.

8. How would you summarize your own view of life in a short statement or wise saying?