NAME, borrowed from the Septuagint. In the Hebrew Bible it is called “Koheleth.”
The meaning of this word is somewhat disputed, but it is rendered in the English version PREACHER, or one who addresses an assembly.
AUTHORSHIP doubtful, but is commonly ascribed to Solomon.
# Ec 1:1,2
Many of the experiences related seem to correspond to those likely to have happened
in his life, judging from the bare outline of his history found in the Bible.
KEY VERSE
# Ec 12:13
KEY WORDS, “Vanity,” and “under the sun, –each expression occurs more than twenty-five times.
CONTENTS
The book contains the reflections and experiences of a philosopher whose mind was in conflict over the problems of life. After speaking of the disillusionments that had come to him, he presents the view of the Epicurean materialist, that there is nothing better than the carnal enjoyment of the pleasures of life. As this idea reappears all through the book, it is quite evident that the writer was struggling with it, while at the same time he was uttering profound truths concerning man’s duty and obligations to God. At last he seems to emerge from his speculations and doubts, and reaches the noble conclusion in Chapter 12:13, “Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” # Ec 12:13
SYNOPSIS. Chs. 1,2
(1) Introduction. Reflection of the monotonous round of life # Ec 1:1-11
(2) The Search of the natural man for his satisfaction and happiness.
(a) It is not to be found in the acquisition of wisdom # Ec 1:12-18
(b) It is not to be found in worldly pleasure # Ec 2:1-3
(c) It is not to be found in art or agriculture # Ec 2:4-6
(d) It is not to be found in great possessions # Ec 2:7-11
(3) Conclusions
(a) The wise man is superior to the fool# Ec 2:12-21
(b) Of the Epicurean,-there is nothing better than to eat and drink and enjoy life # Ec 2:24-26
Ch. 3. The natural man’s view of the weary round of life.
(a) There is a time for everything # Ec 3:1-8
(b) The conclusion of the Materialist # Ec 3:13-22
Ch. 4. The study of the Social Evils apart from faith # Ec 4:1-15
Conclusion, all is vanity and vexation of spirit # Ec 4:16
Ch. 5.
(a) Advices concerning religious duties # Ec 5:1-7
(b) The vanity of riches # Ec 5:9-17
(c) The conclusion is,-Eat and drink and enjoy life # Ec 5:18-20
Ch. 6. The vanity of long life # Ec 6:3-12
Ch. 7.
(a) A series of wise sayings # Ec 7:1-24
(b) Conclusions concerning the evil woman # Ec 7:25-28
Ch. 8.
(a) Civil duties # Ec 8:1-5
(b) The uncertainty of life # Ec 8:6-8
(c) The certainty of Divine judgment, and the injustices of life # Ec 8:10-14
(d) Epicurean conclusion # Ec 8:15 (e) The work of God and man # Ec 8:16,17
Ch. 9.
(a) Like things happen to the righteous and the wicked; the grave is the goal of life, man is a creature of circumstances. Epicurean conclusion, “Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow die.”
# Ec 9:1-9
(b) Wisdom is preëminent though often unappreciated # Ec 9:13-18
Ch. 10. Various wise sayings, the contrast between wisdom and folly, etc.
Ch. 11.
(a) Advices concerning benevolences # Ec 11:1-6
(b) Advice to the young # Ec 11:9-10
Ch. 12. A poetical description of old age # Ec 12:1-7
The closing words of the preacher and the final conclusion concerning the highest duty of man
# 12:8-14