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)