An Introduction to EcclesiastesThe Message of Ecclesiastes Initially it may seem that there are two contradictory messages in the book, an orthodox editor defending faith in God, and Qohelet’s cynicism. For example,, Qohelet states “For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving . . . because all his days his task is painful and grievous,” yet a new section seems to begin with the seemingly incongruous statement “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.” Has an editor inserted orthodox qualifiers to Qohelet’s almost pagan pessimism? Fortunately this scenario proves unlikely; the epilogue praises Qohelet for teaching the people knowledge, and acknowledges that he sought to teach the people and write the words of truth “given by one Shepherd” correctly. Furthermore, “it is very odd to imagine an ‘editor’ issuing a work with which he disagrees but adding extensive notes and an epilogue to compensate…no wisdom document exists in two recensions with opposite theologies; it is doubtful if one ever did."
The book of Ecclesiastes is masterfully composed to reveal the vanity of trusting in wisdom, pleasure, wealth, or any other human endeavor for satisfaction in this life. It is within the genre of wisdom literature to stretch the readers mind to grasp broader understanding through the employment of paradox, irony and hyperbole. Qohelet walks the reader through the numerous vain endeavors of man in order to illustrate that trust in one’s own ability to discover existential meaning in life apart from God will inevitably lead to bitterness, cynicism, and hopelessness. This book proclaims that God makes possible the pleasures that may be enjoyed in this life, for He is good and generous. Ultimate meaning and fulfillment in life is only possible by fearing God, keeping His commandments, enjoying His gifts for today and believing that He will reconcile all things in the future.
The importance of understanding the theological message of the book of Ecclesiastes must not be understated. One must interpret each verse in light of its literary style and the message of the book as a whole. As Greg Parsons has noted, “In no other book of the Old Testament is this guideline more crucial.” The editor’s conclusion provides the answer for the overall purpose of the work. The editor offers the essential summation to life’s purpose and message of Ecclesiastes, “The conclusion, when all has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (12:13-14).
| . | Eaton, Michael, Ecclesiastes : An Introduction and Commentary, 40-41. | | . | Ibid., 48. | | . | Parsons, Greg W. , “Guidelines for Understanding and Proclaiming the Book of Ecclesiastes, Part 1,”, 160. |
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