ECCLESIASTES = “THE ONE WHO ASSEMBLED”

The writer of this book arrives at these observations by exercising wisdom of their own experience or others who came before him. The wisdom is understood to have YHVH as the ultimate source. Topics covered in Ecclesiastes:

1. Cycles of the natural order.
2. Amassing of wealth in property and other forms.
3. The opposing forces that govern life.
4. Friendship – mostly as an antidote to life’s innumerable uncertainties.
5. Virtues and difficulties of human authority.
6. The nature of folly and the possibilities and limitations of wisdom
7. The enjoyment of one’s toils.
8. The terrors of old age.

Behind these topics are certain fundamental themes. The first is expressed by the term “futility” (hevel, ch 1:2). This being the inability of humans to make sense of the world around them, to see a coherent pattern, a plan to their lives and to nature, in the sense of moving toward lasting goals.

The writer appears to believe there may be coherent patterns of activity for humans as he uses the word ma’aseh (deed, work, action) for these (ch 8) indicating they seem to be folded into the larger ma’aseh of YHVH.

Our ability to discern what these patterns are is frustrated as the traditional reward/punishment for the good/wicked does not appear to always work in this life. In this regard, it appears the writer is arguing against the eternal truths in Deuteronomy and Proverbs.

One thing clear to the writer is death. It is the final point in each person’s deeds, works, actions, and life. It is going to happen to everyone. The writer does not take into account the doctrine of resurrection from the dead, which we who believe in Yeshua certainly do. The writer of Ecclesiastes conclusion is to enjoy life while you have it. In his view reward/punishment is cancelled out by death, but he leaves us feeling uneasy about that conclusion—is that all there is?

The writer seems to believe that wisdom does not deny that YHVH is in control and that He has a pattern of activity that will eventually bring every creature to future account. Therefore, he concludes, it makes sense not to tempt the anger of YHVH (ch 4.17-5.5).

The topics and themes in Ecclesiastes are not developed in a systematic way—they are scattered and revisited throughout the book—just in the way humans think! New perspectives and ideas often build on what the writer thought previously—or contradict it completely! At times this seems confusing, but actually corresponds to how humans  really think about many things (ch 8; 9.1-12, ch 10).

Key words in the book:

Futility, vanities = hevel; 1892 Strong’s =breath; by extension something with no substance, meaninglessness, worthlessness, vanity, emptiness, futility; idol, altogether vain.

“Set my heart to seek” = to probe, explore, investigate, seek out by myself.

The writer, we see, is engaged in a leisurely, self-conscious, rumative, process in which he is considering these issues from one "angel" to another.

Traditionally this book is attributed to King Solomon whose wisdom was world renowned. Later in life he turned from YHVH to the idols of his hundreds of wives. This would explain the dark moods of Ecclesiastes.

In Jewish tradition this book is read on Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) which celebrates the completion of the fall fruit harvest (including grapes). It is a celebration of the completion of the meaningful work of harvesting. Sukkot is called “The season of our Joy” and this rejoicing resounds with themes of enjoying the fruit of our labors found in Ecclesiastes.

For believers in Yeshua the feast of Sukkot is a reminder of our resurrection into new life in the coming Millennial Kingdom. It follows five days after Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement which is the day the wicked are judged and crushed like grapes. The Day of Atonement is also the day the redeemed are saved and enjoy the new wine of crushed grapes. Ecclesiastes fits this time of year nicely for both religions.

The fact that Ecclesiastes exhibits contradictions, along with unorthodox views that don’t necessarily go along with the rest of the Bible, reflects the uncertainly a person who has little faith in God would exhibit. We all, at one time or another, question our existence and the existence of God.

When a person comes to faith in God through Jesus Christ (Yeshua) His Son they get a new perspective on the meaning of life. This is what Yeshua was referring to when He told Nicodemus (John 3) that he must be “reborn” before he could see the Kingdom of God. Only then, with serious study of scripture, can we even begin to understand the ways of our God.

Source of information: The Jewish Study Bible, Jewish Publication Society