Lesson 7 – Seeking Happiness…Finding Misery – Part 2: Purpose of the Book of Ecclesiastes

Brian K. Davis

December 25, 2011

Seeking AnswersA Study in Ecclesiastes

• Background: Name of the Book

- In Hebrew – “Qoheleth” - an official speaker to an assembly of people- In Greek – “Ekklesiates” – transliterated in the English Bible as “ECCLESIASTES”- Literal Translation - “The Preacher”

Date - There is much discussion around the date of this book – Range from 935 BC – 945 BC- “These are the words of a tired man looking back over his lifelong search for meaning

and purpose. He made many mistakes and pours out his heart to guide the young who stand at the same crossroad” (cf. Eccl. 11:9 – 12:7) – [Harbison, pg. 3]

Author Who is the Preacher?

- Qualifications: 1) Son of David and king in Jerusalem (Eccl. 1:1)2) One of great wisdom (Eccl. 1:16)3) Be wealthy (Eccl. 1:16; 2:7-9)4) Be one who has build great works (Eccl. 2:4-11)5) Set in order many proverbs (Eccl. 12:9)

Regardless of who the human author is – the significance is the message and not the messenger!

Background and Author

• What is the purpose of Wisdom Literature?

It seeks to help us think about our lives through the observations, experience and instruction, including the destiny to where we are heading.

It encourages the mind to contemplate information, facts and truths to lead us to ultimately “the Truth”.

In Ecclesiastes, we find exactly that - the Preacher describes the words of the wise as “goads” and “nails” (cf. 12:11). These sayings will “prod” our thinking and exhortations that will provide stability and direction for living.

Author of Ecclesiastes uses 5 ‘writing styles’ to convey this important message:1. Reflective Wisdom2. Shock3. Contrasting Themes4. Proverbs5. Rhetorical Questions

Understanding Wisdom Literature

• Reflective Wisdom – Utilizes relentless probing and questioning of traditional ideas and beliefs. Read Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 The word “consider” is a call to reflect upon a profound spiritual matter

• Shock – Arousing thoughts with the reader via disturbing statements and observations. ‘Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Another example - See Ecclesiastes 6:1-6

• Contrasting Themes – Defines and illustrates proper behavior in God’s universe. Read Ecclesiastes 9:16, 18 Some of these themes cloud more than they clarify – Ecclesiastes 7:16

• Proverbs – Amplifies the preferred behavior or attitude God wants us to adopt. These are found in the form a “better than” statements – A is better than B. Consider Ecclesiastes 7:1-8

• Rhetorical Questions – Stimulates thought and requires no direct response “What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:3) –

Conclusion: No advantage! The Preacher uses “Who knows?” in several locations (Ecclesiastes 2:19; 3:21; 6:12; 8:1) - A thoughtful

response : “We certainly do not!”

Understanding the Writing Styles Used

Life is a Daily Gift from God

• Purpose: Show that nothing in this life will satisfy the needs of man's heart. Only the enjoyment and the service of God will bring lasting happiness.

Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? (1 Corinthians 1:20).