Ecclesiastes
the style of the Hebrew (which, they say, reflects a later form of Hebrew) and certain statements that don't seem to fit Solomon.
For what two general reasons do some scholars reject this person as the author?
"assembly", and is usually translated as "church."
What does the title "Ecclesiastes" mean?
1:1 calls this "the words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem"
What in the book seems to link it to Solomon?
"Fear God"; In light of the "vanity" of everything "under the sun," "Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Because God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil" (vv. 13-14).
What is the conclusion of the book?
"All is vanity"
What is the general content of the four sections (according to the outline) of Ecclesiastes?
"vanity"; "meaningless"; This is an image/symbol which refers to that which is fleeting, elusive, unsubstantial—that which does not last and is therefore of little value.
What is the key word of Ecclesiastes? What does this mean? What is this applied to?
God has implanted within all people a sense that there is more than just the temporal and the material. We were created for eternity and will be profoundly discontent until we achieve that for which we were created.
What is the meaning of the phrase "He has set eternity in their hearts" (3:11)?
Negatively, to teach that true happiness is not to be found in anything the world offers. Positively, to teach that true happiness is only to be found in God.
What is the purpose of Ecclesiastes?
It describes the result of the pursuit of happiness and satisfaction in anything and everything other than God.
What is the significance of the phrases "vanity of vanities"; "striving after wind"; "under the sun"?
1. The futility and despair come from displacing God from His rightful place in one's life. 2. God is referred to throughout the book (e.g., 2:24-26; 3:12-14; 5:18-20; 7:13-14; 8:16-9:1; 9:7). God is understood to be sovereign, to direct and work in the affairs of humans. 3. The conclusion needs to be kept in mind: the search for what people long for can only end in God Himself (12:13-14).
What things were suggested in response to those who believe that Ecclesiastes promotes skepticism?
A. The perspective of the author: he is, for the most part, looking at life apart from God ("under the sun"). B. The progress of revelation: Solomon did not have all biblical truth that we have now (e.g., regarding life after death and that the greatest things will be enjoyed then, cf. 9:4-5). C. The perception of God: Elohim is used exclusively when referring to God, as opposed to Yahweh. Thus, God is seen as the sovereign, transcendent, creator God, rather than the covenant-making and keeping, personal, redeemer God. This, too, has a bearing on the overall perspective of the book.
What three things should be kept in mind in order to understand the contents of the book?
late in Solomon's life
When, according to Jewish tradition, was this written (i.e., what part of the author's life)?
Solomon
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
