09.29.21
Life Under the Sun
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. (2) Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. (3) What profit has a man of all his labor which he takes under the sun? (Ecclesiastes 1:1-3)
Over the past two weeks we considered the topic of Critical Theory as expressed in the areas of Race and Gender. This is a troubling topic that is an example of the upheaval that is present in our world. We turn now to a study of the OT book of Ecclesiastes which deals with Man as he struggles in this world, under the sun.
Ecclesiastes is one of the most puzzling books of the Bible. Many of its statements sound odd, for they suggest that life is meaningless. However, when we read the book as a whole, we discover it has a powerful message that life is significant when God is at its center. This is a highly relevant book for modern men and women who share the frustrations with life discussed in Ecclesiastes. Without Christ, life has no real significance.
Before we look at the book in detail, let us see it as a whole. Though many modern scholars reject Solomon as the author, it is clear that it was he. The first verse of the book refers to the author as a ‘son of David.’ The title of ‘preacher’ could refer to ‘one who assembles others,’ or ‘one who collects proverbs.’ In either case, Solomon fits the bill.
Solomon wrote three of the OT books of poetry. He likely wrote The Song of Solomon in his earlier years, Proverbs in his middle years, and Ecclesiastes in his later years as he looked back upon his life as a whole.
Solomon presents himself as a man of keen observation. He had a restless spirit as he sought for the true, lasting significance in life. He was a man who seemed to have it all but felt empty inside. Those who have enjoyed wealth and pleasure quickly learn that those things cannot satisfy the deep hunger of the human heart.
Most books follow a linear approach, flowing horizontally, often historically, or perhaps from cause to effect. Ecclesiastes, however, takes a different approach. Understanding this approach greatly helps in the comprehension of the book.
Many see life as a circle. Solomon did. The book follows a set of concentric circles around a focal point. The author follows each of these circles that keep returning to the same point: all is vanity, wind, emptiness. Eventually the book gets to its main point, but on the way Solomon takes us along a journey that seeks to find meaning in life. By the end of the book, the reader not only knows the answer, but felt the futility of the author, the pain of the problem, and can better appreciate the significance of the solution.
The key to the book is found in the last verses (12:13, 14), Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (14) For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Come along with me as we journey with Solomon in the search for the meaning of life.