Part 1 of 8 of the theme "Lessons from Ecclesiastes.' by Gijs van den Brink
Does life have meaning?
In our time when a pandemic is gripping the world, many see what they have built up over years being lost. Such was the case with King Solomon at the end of his life when he writes the book of Ecclesiastes.
One of the key words in the book of Ecclesiastes is "emptiness," "void. It is about man's futile attempt to try to become happy without God. He tries to do that by finding power, popularity, prestige or pleasure. But will it succeed in becoming happy without having a relationship with God?
The preacher speaking in the book, according to the book (1:1,12) and tradition, is King Solomon. He is the wisest, richest and most influential king in Israel's history. He looks at life "under the sun" (1:9), that is, from a human perspective, disregarding God's revelation. The Hebrew title Qoheleth is a rare word found in only a few places. Qoheleth means "he who calls together and addresses the community or congregation," the convener or preacher. It is a pseudonym because the author does not want to give his real name.
The book was probably written around 935 B.C. It is the time when Solomon's great wealth is dwindling. And Israel will soon break up into two empires. According to a Jewish tradition (e.g. in the Targum on Ecclesiastes - 6th century AD), Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes at the end of his life, when he saw everything he had built up falling away. And he himself had fallen into worldly life and idolatry (cf. 1Kon.11).
The writer, who apparently knew the preacher, says that everything the preacher says can actually be summed up in one sentence. The only thing that is important in life is to have reverence for God and to obey Him, for all people must one day give an account of their actions (12:13-14).
Next time: Part 2 of the series of lessons from Ecclesiastes is entitled Do knowledge and wealth bring happiness?
See also: Part 7 of 8 of the theme 'Lessons from the Bible book of Job' Jesus Christ in the book of Job
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 1 of 8 concise blog on the topic "Lessons from Ecclesiastes" from Study Bible Magazine, Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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