Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

Ecclesiastes was written to the Israelites during the Golden Age under Solomon. Not only was poetry something that they valued, they were also in a time where they were able to live a sort of high life of pleasures. In fact, being in a time of peace and great riches, it’s likely that many of them would have been facing these questions about life much like Solomon was (1:12-13). 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Tradition says that it was either written by Solomon or about/for him from someone who observed his life. It seems to me as if it it written by someone else about Solomon. If you look at the final verses of the book (12:12-14), the author is giving a final note concerning the teacher and it seems as though it’s his own observations about Solomon. It’s written as an outsiders view on the situation. Likewise, it seemed to me as if Song of Solomon was written by someone other than Solomon himself and the poetry in this book I believe would suggest the same. Ecclesiastes differs in style from those of the Proverbs and Song of Solomon. It’s unlikely that all of these were written by the same person in my opinion.  

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

The book of Ecclesiastes is exploring the timeless question of “what is the meaning of life?” Solomon explores and experiments within every area of life. He seeks pleasure (2:1-3), hard work (2:4-6) and wealth (2:8). He searches among the love of his wives and concubines as well as through wisdom (2:12). And looking at Solomon’s great wealth and resources, we know that when he explores these areas, he does so to a depth that far surpasses anything than we could imagine today. And yet in every search, Solomon finds at all meaningless (2:14). 

Solomon refers to the fact that there is nothing new under the sun and everything is just a fleeting passing moment (1:4-8). History repeats itself and the result is that everyone dies. The wise and foolish, the rich and poor, the weak and strong. They all share the same fate (2:14-15). Many might read this with a bleak outlook, and that may be rightfully so. But it’s important to understand that Solomon pursued these things in order to see what the purpose of his life was. His entire life was an experiment to so speak. So Solomon is not simply being a kingly drama queen, he’s searched to the depths for answers and this is what he found. 

Yet through all of this- the misery and wasted work, the feeling of worthless- we find where true contentment and joy is found and that is only living for the Lord. So in essence Solomon was right. Life is absolutely pointless- unless it’s lived for God (3:14). 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

Ecclesiastes was written to encourage people that no matter how hard you look, no matter what you dup your foot into in this life, it is pointless apart from God (7:13). This was likely so many people’s stories in this time. But Solomon pursued these things with extravagance. No one is able to say “well maybe if we had more...” because no one could have had more than Solomon. But even with all he had and everything he was able to achieve in his life, it was pointless without God. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

God is showing his people that their purpose in life, no matter what they are doing, is to fear the Lord (12:13). He is sovereign. His plans are bigger than whatever else could be pursued. But through all of this, the Lord also doesn’t want life to be a drag! He wants us to enjoy the blessings that he’s given us (5:18-19). Solomon almost sounds sarcastic and cynical when he says this at first, but I truly believe that this is something that he comes to terms with. 

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

We can see God’s redemptive plan by simply looking at Solomon’s life as a whole. He was lost and looking for any kind of appeasement. But God brought him to a place of redemption with in his life. He’s see’s that no matter what he does or what he owns, this is nothing without the Lord. In fact, we see him wish that he had known this in even his youth (12:6-7). But even in his late age, he see’s this.

7. Personal Application

This is a very important book because it’s so relational. I know this feeling. I was blessed to be like David and “know the Lord from my birth,” but when I’m stuck in something like college classes that I don’t care about, meaningless jobs, everything in my life seems so pointless. I could never live life outside of living for the Lord. And for me that’s missions and ministry. I don’t think I could ever get a “grown up” job and career in order to make money to buy things to retire on a beach somewhere. 

But this is so important in understanding others who are still in this journey. I know many people that are who even love Jesus. Actually, in reading this, I sometimes read it in certain people’s voices that I know. Father please help me encourage others who feel stuck in this world to point them to you. Help me to see them where they are and point to the fact that you’re the only one worth living for in this life. 

8. Point of Passion 

This actually spoke to me a lot in the area in family. All I know is I want to be an example in my family of what it means to live a life worthy of God. The fear of the Lord is what we must live by and not by the fleeting pleasure of this world. And much like the author of Ecclesiastes encourages, it’s important to grasp this is your youth (11:9-10). As parents this must be taught by example. But in the same way, I think it’s within everyone to experience this journey in their own way as well.