Sermon Title: ''EcclesiastesOverview''; 1of 16; Sermon Series: ''The Good Life''
Contributor: Keith Krell
THE TITLE: ''Ecclesiastes''stems from the title given in the Septuagint-the Greek translation of the OldTestament. The Greek term ekklesiastes means ''preacher'' and is derived from theword ekklesia meaning ''assembly, church.'' The Hebrew title, Qoheleth, is a rareterm found only seven times in Ecclesiastes (1:1, 2, 12; 7:27; 12:8, 9, 10). Itcomes from the word qahal meaning ''to convoke an assembly, to assemble.'' Thus,it means ''one who addresses an assembly, a preacher.''
THE PURPOSE: Is life reallyworth living? Can I possibly find peace and purpose in this life? The author ofEcclesiastes attempts to answer these questions by proving that satisfaction inlife can only be found in looking beyond this world. Ecclesiastes gives ananalysis of negative themes, but it also develops the positive theme ofovercoming the transient nature of life by fearing a God who is good, just, andsovereign (12:13-14). The author's goal, simply put, is to teach wisdom.
THE THEME: The fear of Godleads to a meaningful life.
THE AUTHOR: Although theauthor does not specifically name himself, he calls himself ''the son of David''(1:1) and ''king over Israel'' (1:12)-exactly the same information provided aboutSolomon in Prov 1:1. One quick read through of Ecclesiastes leads to therecognition that the most qualified Davidic descendant to write this book isSolomon. Our author's unrivaled wisdom (1:16), exploration of pleasure (2:1-3),impressive accomplishments (2:4-6), and unparalleled wealth (2:7-10) werefulfilled only by King Solomon. Jewish tradition also attributes the book toSolomon.
THE AUDIENCE: Solomon'sexclusive use of the general word for God, Elohim (41x's), rather than Hispersonal name, Yahweh (''Lord'') shows that the Creator/creature relationshiprather than the Redeemer/redeemed relationship is being considered. Solomon isappealing to all men everywhere.
THE TIMES: It is possible thatSolomon wrote Ecclesiastes late in his life. If this is correct, Ecclesiastes mayexpress his regret for his folly and wasted time due to carnality and idolatry(1 Kings 11). It is just as likely, however, that Solomon wrote this book earlyin his life when he was thinking soundly, and then ''merely became disillusionedwith the life of faith and fell headlong into several traps of his own making.''[1]
KEY WORD(S) AND PHRASE(S):Vanity (38x) and under the sun (29x). See also wisdom/wise (52x), good (52x), man(47x), God (41x), heart (40x), time (37x), labor (36x), live/life (26x), evil(22x), and rejoice/joy (17x).
CHRIST IN ECCLESIASTES:Though no Messianic predictions or types appear in this book, some vaguereferences may be seen. The message is called ''words of truth'' (12:10) given by''one Shepherd'' (12:11). Christ called Himself, ''the truth,'' ''the good shepherd''(John 10:14), and ''a greater than Solomon'' (Luke 11:31), coming to show thetrue meaning of life.
SUMMARY STRUCTURE:[2]
1. Declaration of futility (1:1-11)
2. Demonstration of futility(1:12-6:12)
3. Deliverance from futility (7:1-12:14)
