Chronological Bible Study – June 19
What I Noticed Today (Ecclesiastes 1-6)
There is a short introduction available for the book of Ecclesiastes. You can read it here.
Ecclesiastes 1
Ecclesiastes 1 is focused on God and the futility of life.
Note: The author refers to himself as “Teacher,” using the Hebrew word Qoheleth, which means “assembly leader.” The word is used only seven times in the Old Testament, and all of them are here in Ecclesiastes.
In verses 2-11, Solomon expresses in poetical form his belief in the futility of life on earth (under the sun). Nothing ever really changes and life is fleeting.
In verses 12-18, the Teacher (Solomon, King of Israel in Jerusalem) describes his futile search for wisdom. He is not saying the pursuit of knowledge or wisdom is wrong, only that no matter how much wisdom a man might attain, he still cannot understand God.
Ecclesiastes 2
Ecclesiastes 2 is also focused on God and the futility of life.
Solomon continues his expression of the futility of life by explaining that he tried to find meaning in life through pleasures (drinking wine v. 3, achievements vv. 4-6, possessions vv. 7-8). But regardless of the form of pleasure, and he tried them all, he considered them all to provide no satisfaction and to be futile in that they were all temporary (vv. 9-11).
In verses 12-17, Solomon considers wisdom, folly, and madness. He concludes that wisdom is better than folly because it keeps a man from making the poor decisions that a fool tends to make. He still considers it all futile, however, because ultimately, nothing achieved by a wise man lasts forever, any more than the achievements of a fool.
In verses 18-26, Solomon focuses on the emptiness of work that is directed solely at achieving wealth. Ultimately everything he built will have to be left to someone else, and one never knows whether that person will be wise or a fool (vv. 18-20). He expresses frustration at having to work hard and then give some of the proceeds over to someone who has not worked (vv. 21-22). Solomon concludes that work should be enjoyed, because it honors God, and is pleasing in his sight (vv. 24-26).
Ecclesiastes 3
Ecclesiastes 3 is focused on the nature of time, injustice, and death.
Solomon’s poem about an occasion and time for every activity under heaven is recounted in verses 1-8. He lists a total of 15 “a time to…” couplets in which he mentions a positive thing and a negative thing: birth/die, plant/uproot, kill/heal, etc.).
In verses 9-15, Solomon considers the work that God has given man during the time God has given us. It is God’s gift to man to eat, drink, and enjoy the temporary nature of life because only what God does will last forever.
In verses 16-17, Solomon expresses frustration that there is injustice in places where there should be justice (courts).
In verses 18-22, Solomon concludes that these injustices are a test from God so that we will recognize that apart from God, we are like the animals who die and turn to dust.
Ecclesiastes 4
Ecclesiastes 4 is focused on society.
In verses 1-3, Solomon restates his concern that people who are oppressed by corruption are unable to live their lives the way God intended.
In verses 4-8, Solomon examines the foolishness of working solely in the pursuit of riches. He describes this as futile.
In verses 9-12, Solomon states that friendship is important because friends work together, help each other, and protect each other.
In verses 13-16, Solomon compares two kings and the fleeting nature of their power. One king was poor in his youth but is now older and foolish. The second king is young and replaces the older king, but eventually, he also becomes old and foolish. Solomon is again illustrating his point that even kings come and go; one is replaced by another
Ecclesiastes 5
Ecclesiastes 5 has two primary themes: a warning against making impulsive vows to God and the potential for corruption in government.
In verses 1-7, Solomon warns against making rash vows to God and then not fulfilling those vows. Two issues are apparent: some people make rash vows thinking they will impress God with their vow, but then think they can avoid fulfilling the vow. If you make a promise to God, you need to keep it!
In verses 8-9, Solomon expresses his frustration at the oppression of the poor that exists in governments.
In verses 10-20, Solomon provides seven reasons why the pursuit of wealth is futile:
- Pursuing wealth is futile because you never have enough (v. 10).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because you attract people who only want your money (v. 11a).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because once you’ve acquired it, all you can do is look at it (v. 11b)
- Pursuing wealth is futile because you worry about losing it (v. 12).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because you’re likely to take on high-risk investments and lose it all (v. 13-14).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because when you die, you can’t take it with you (v. 15-16).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because it can take all your time and keep you from enjoying life (v. 17-20).
Ecclesiastes 6
Verses 1-6 continues Solomon’s discussion of the futility of pursuing wealth. He says while God may bless someone with riches, they may not take the time to enjoy life, and ultimately they die and pass on their wealth to someone else. It doesn’t matter how long you live if you don’t experience happiness.
In verses 7-12, Solomon suggests the fundamental truths of life are already known, and the pursuit of additional knowledge will not change the ultimate condition of man.