Reading: Theme and Development (Video Slides)
#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