Tonight we begin a study of one of the most overlooked books in the Bible. Ecclesiastes is third of the three books attributed to solomon, after "Song of Solomon" and "Proverbs." It is a good example of "wisdom" writing, although in fact it harbors a skeptical view of human wisdom, preferring to espouse righteousness as more valuable than wisdom. Two things are important to bear in mind during the study of this book: 1) for those who are in rebellion against God, whoever is living contrary to God's will, can expect to find Ecclesiastes unnervingly powerful and convicting; 2) of all Old Testament writings, this book calls for the message of the New Testament to complement its teaching. This book should lead us to a fresh appreciation of the love and grace of Christ Jesus, and the hope that he gives.

In the text, the author(1) is called "the Preacher," KJV; "the Teacher," NLT, and is referenced three times in the book(2). This may well be an attribution to Solomon by another wisdom writer, since the actual Hebrew has Phoenician and Aramaic influences, suggesting a later post-exilic date. Furthermore, the Preacher says he "was king of Israel," indicated he is writing in his retirement years. (Solomon died in office.)

Read Ecclesiastes 1: 1-18 and then answer the following questions with us:

1. What does the theme of the book seem to be, judging from its opening passage?
2. How are the cycles of nature a picture of futility?
3. What does the Teacher think of historical achievements?
4. How did the Teacher come to his present understanding of things?
5. What is his final assessment of his discoveries?
6. What New Testament counterpart comes to mind?

(1) The Hebrew word qoheleth was translated into the Greek Septuagint as ekklesiastes, meaning a member or a speaker of an assembly. The Hebrew word is a feminine participle of the verb kohal (to assemble), realted to the noun kohol (assembly, or congregation).

(2) In 1:1, he is identified as "son of David, king in Jerusalem"; in 1:12, he says, "I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem"; in 12:9, he claims to be wealthy and to own many concubines. All of these attributes fit Solomon.