4. Ecclesiastes: Enjoyment of life comes only through a God-centered worldview

Enjoyment of life comes only through a God-centered worldview

1. Ecclesiastes OT 682

2. Key Terms Wisdom and poetic literature: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs Retribution principle: the idea that there is a one-to-one correlation between one’s actions and rewards Epicureanism: philosophical viewpoint that people should “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die” Instructional literature: literature meant to provide instruction and guidance Sage: a wise person who taught others Qoheleth: the speaker in the book of Ecclesiastes

3. Key Ideas Life should not be expected to be self-fulfilling. Frustrations in life are inevitable. The seasons of life must be accepted. Enjoyment of life comes only through a God-centered worldview.

4. The primary speaker in Ecclesiastes is identified as "Qoheleth," traditionally associated with Solomon. While not impossible, this view is problematic. Regardless of the identity of Qoheleth, the author is most likely an anonymous compiler of Qoheleth's wise sayings. Ernest says, “Qoheleth seems to be derived from the verb qahal , meaning ‘to assemble, gather.”’ Ernest Lucas, Exploring the Old Testament: The Psalms and Wisdom Literature , vol. 3 (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2003), 145.

5. The book contains a number of literary genres common to the ANE, in addition to works which address the incongruity between conventional wisdom and the reality of life experience. A few ancient writings are similar to Ecclesiastes, such as the Mesopotamian Dialogue of Pessimism and the Egyptian Harper’s Songs.

6. The basic message of Qoheleth is that nothing "under the sun" can give meaning to life, but that the pursuit of God can allow one to enjoy the pleasures of life as gifts from God. **

7. The structure of Ecclesiastes is not like that of Western philosophical treatises. Rather, it is a unified work in which the author discusses various topics. The book states the problem, explains the author's experiences in attempting to solve the problem, and provides his solution: a worldview with God at the center. The author then applies his stated view to various life situations, particularly when facing adversity.

8. Qoheleth's solution to facing adversity is followed by life advice, warnings, and injunctions. The book’s major themes include the retribution principle, experience vs. revelation, and Epicureanism vs. piety.

9. The beginning of the text says, “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” (Eccl. 1:1)   The conclusion says: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (12:13-14).