ЁЯХп️ The Book of Ecclesiastes ЁЯМ┐
ЁЯХп️ The Book of Ecclesiastes — Life's Meaning Under the Sun
Overview
Hebrew Title
Qoheleth — meaning Preacher or Teacher
Greek Title
Ekklesiastes — "One who addresses an assembly"
Author
King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 12)
Date
~935 BC (toward the end of Solomon's life)
Theme
The emptiness of life apart from God, and the joy found in fearing Him
Key Verse
"Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity."
— Ecclesiastes 1:2
Purpose of the Book
- To show that life without God is meaningless, no matter how wise, rich, or successful a person becomes.
- To urge people to fear God and keep His commandments as the only true purpose of existence.
- Solomon writes after experimenting with wisdom, pleasure, wealth, and work — and concludes that only God gives life meaning.
Author and Background
| Author | Description | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Solomon | Son of David; the wisest man in the Old Testament. | Wrote Proverbs in his wisdom, Song of Songs in his youth, and Ecclesiastes in his old age — reflecting on life's purpose. |
Main Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Meaning | Key Verses |
|---|---|---|
| "Vanity" (Heb. Hevel) | Means "breath," "vapor," or "emptiness." Everything under the sun is temporary. | 1:2; 12:8 |
| Life Under the Sun | Life from a purely earthly viewpoint — without eternal perspective. | 1:3; 2:17 |
| Time for Everything | God controls every season of life. | 3:1–8 |
| The Futility of Wealth | Riches cannot satisfy the soul. | 5:10–15 |
| Wisdom's Limitations | Human wisdom is valuable but cannot save. | 2:13–16 |
| Fear God and Obey Him | The only lasting purpose in life. | 12:13–14 |
Outline / Divisions of the Book
| Section | Chapters | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Vanity of Human Effort | 1–2 | Solomon's search through wisdom, pleasure, and wealth — all ending in emptiness. |
| 2. The Order and Mystery of Life | 3–5 | "A time for everything" and the reality of death and injustice. |
| 3. The Limits of Human Wisdom | 6–8 | Wisdom helps, but cannot change life's mysteries. |
| 4. The Uncertainties of Life | 9–10 | Both good and evil happen to everyone — live wisely anyway. |
| 5. The Call to Enjoy Life in God's Fear | 11–12 | Enjoy youth, remember your Creator, and prepare for judgment. |
Key Passages
Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 — "A Time for Everything"
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."
Time to be born / time to die
Time to plant / time to pluck up
Time to weep / time to laugh
Time to keep silence / time to speak
Time to plant / time to pluck up
Time to weep / time to laugh
Time to keep silence / time to speak
ЁЯХК God controls every rhythm of life.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money."
ЁЯкЩ Wealth cannot fill the soul; only God can.
Ecclesiastes 12:1
"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth."
✨ Turn to God early before life's strength fades.
Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (Conclusion)
"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
"For God will bring every work into judgment."
"For God will bring every work into judgment."
ЁЯУЬ Solomon's final lesson: life without God is meaningless, but with God, everything matters.
Main Symbols and Meanings
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sun | Human life and toil on earth. |
| Wind | Restless pursuit of worldly gain. |
| House of Mourning | Mortality and reflection on eternity. |
| Dust | Human frailty (12:7). |
| Golden Bowl & Silver Cord | The fragile thread of life that breaks at death (12:6). |
Spiritual Lessons
- Everything without God is empty; everything with God is meaningful.
- Wisdom, pleasure, and work are good — but temporary.
- Death is the great equalizer — seek eternal life in God.
- True joy comes from enjoying God's gifts with gratitude.
- Reverence (fear) of God gives life balance and peace.
Timeline Summary
970 BC
Solomon begins reign
950 BC
Builds temple and writes Proverbs
940–935 BC
Writes Ecclesiastes in old age
930 BC
Solomon's death; kingdom divides
Key Words
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vanity (Hevel) | vapor, fleeting, temporary |
| Wisdom (Chokmah) | divine insight into life |
| Fear of the LORD | reverence, awe, obedience |
Summary Thought
"Without God, life is meaningless; with God, even the smallest task is full of purpose."
Ecclesiastes reminds us:
ЁЯМЕ Seek God early,
ЁЯХК Live wisely,
ЁЯТл Enjoy life's blessings with gratitude,
and remember — our final joy is found in eternity.
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