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The Book of Ecclesiastes

survey of the Bible. The Book of Ecclesiastes. General Overview. Ecclesiastes is the contemplation of Solomon as he looked back over the excesses of his life though blessed by God with wisdom, he lived in unrighteousness (2 Chron. 1:11-12)(1 Kngs . 11:4-6)

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The Book of Ecclesiastes

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  1. survey of the Bible The Book of Ecclesiastes

  2. General Overview • Ecclesiastes is the contemplation of Solomon as he looked back over the excesses of his life • though blessed by God with wisdom, he lived in unrighteousness (2 Chron. 1:11-12)(1 Kngs. 11:4-6) • however, it seems at the end of his life, he reflects on his errors for the benefit of others (12:1) • what is important and lasting in life? • may seem at first to present life as meaningless • in context of 12:13-14, accurately presents contrast between concerns of this life and of the next

  3. Themes of Ecclesiastes • all is vanity [without God] • vanity (worthlessness) mentioned around 33 times • no amount of work, wealth, power, righteousness, or wisdom will change man’s inevitable end (1:1-4) • no amount of earthly pleasure will give life joy and fulfillment (1:12-14; 2:10-11; 5:10) • life isn’t necessarily fair (9:11-12)

  4. Themes of Ecclesiastes • however, we can enjoy these things in God • remembering that all will be brought to judgment (11:9-12:1, 13-14) • enjoying our labor (2:24), friendships (4:9-12), material goods (5:18-20), wisdom (7:11-12), righteousness (8:12-13), family (9:9)

  5. Importance to Christians • putting Christ first so we can enjoy blessings • earthly (Mt. 6:33)(1 Cor. 3:21-23)(Phil. 4:11-13) • spiritual (Col. 3:1-4)(Heb. 11:24-26) • listening to the wisdom of God’s word • Solomon tried to find fulfillment by trial and error • while we can gain wisdom by acknowledging our mistakes, the gospel is a simpler path (1 Cor. 2:1-5) (Prov. 3:1-8)

  6. Conclusion • the book of Ecclesiastes provides a view of life that puts things in perspective • especially true in the gospel age as the blessings we are promised and the commitment we make are more clearly spiritual in nature • do we have a faith in God that allows us to enjoy life, despite its inequities, knowing the reward that awaits us? (2 Tim. 4:7-8)

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