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Reading Ecclesiastes
Reading Ecclesiastes
We will be reading from the book of Ecclesiastes for the next few weeks. Because of the nature of this book, reading short portions CAN result in wrong conclusions and understanding of what is taught by the book.
The author sets out to find out what the meaning of life is. The ESV Study Bible comments on this concept of ‘finding’: “The word “find,” or “find out” (Hb. matsa’) has the sense of “figure out, comprehend by study” in this verse and other places in the book (7:14, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29; 8:17). The Preacher thus realizes that both his desire to understand all of life, as well as the limitations on his ability to do so, have been ordained by God.” (note on Eccl. 3:11).
He is looking for that which is 'profit' or 'gain' in life. He speaks of this some 10 times in this book. Literally it means 'what is left', that is, what is left after all is said and done. Of course, one must always include the fact of death in his considerations! Such things of this life are of relative value, but have little ultimate gain. They do not answer the BIG question: What is the purpose of life? Why do I exist? Concerning THAT question, they are fleeting, vanity, and unsatisfying.
The writer searches for this meaning of life apart from revelation from God. He examines life from a human viewpoint to discover it 'for himself'. He thus constantly uses the phrase "Under the sun" (some 28 times in the ESV). Hence, he tries various viewpoints of life and draws conclusions.
As he searches, tries, and examines things of this life, he keeps coming back to the conclusion that they are all 'vanity'. He uses hits word some 38 times. Literally the word means "breath, a puff of wind, a vapor. By it he intends us to see that these things are transitory or fleeting. They have their part in living life, but they are not the ultimate purpose and goal.
Some people miss the fact that God, even though the writer is not examining any revelation from God, is still at the very core of all of his life. Like death, God is always in the middle of his thoughts and conclusions. He speaks directly of God 41 times and uses pronouns to refer to God many more times. Much about God seems to baffle the writer, but he was firmly committed to the fundamental goodness of God and God’s absolute rule and final judgment.
As we read, please keep his ultimate conclusion in mind: "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).
An example of how this helps us read this book is seen in his conclusion early in the book which gives way to his conclusion at the end of the book. In chapter 3 he states: "21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? (3:21). From a human perspective, unable to see or perceive the spiritual and eternal aspects, this appears to be so. BUT, when you add in God and his purposes for us, you end up as the writer does in Eccl. 12:7: "… the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."
Another thing to see as we read through Ecclesiastes is the constant conclusion that he draws concerning life lived here 'under the sun". As expressed in 3:12-13: "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man." Or again in 3:22: "I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will occur after him?"
Yet, in learning to enjoy life, at the end the write admonishes: "Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting" (12:9-10).
Hugh DeLong
