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The book of Ecclesiastes is
one of the books that may be a little hard to understand. It is not
that the work is different, but the context is certainly different.
It is written by a man who had amassed more wealth than all his
competition. He speaks from an experience that is certainly very
different than those that you and I have enjoyed.
The name of this
book means 'the preacher' so in this it is very different also.
Solomon was not a prophet to be compared with the other prophets of
the Old Testament, but he certainly is a special kind of teacher.
There are few books that have been interpreted as loosely as this
book.
Many men have used it over the years to support their view no
matter what their view of life was. For this reason I suggest that
we should be careful about reading anything into the message of this
book. We must try to simply understand what is being stated. I would
suggest further that the view of life that we hold will depend on
our life experiences. To one who is lost in sin and understands this
fact, life is certainly very bleak.
In contrast to this, one who is
faithful to God and has a loving fellowship with the Father will
have a very positive view of life. Also, may we notice that both
views are correct and right. It is my impression that this book was
written by Solomon late in his life after his sin had almost
destroyed him.
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The book begins with the
observation that everything is meaningless. Solomon realizes that
man does not really change very much no matter how great he is as
a man. He may accomplish much for a while, but then he must
turn it over to his successor who may even be a fool. In the
conclusion of the 1st chapter he tells us that with much wisdom
comes much sorrow, and with knowledge comes grief. These are
truths that we will do well to consider. In the 2nd chapter he
tells us that he pursued pleasures to determine what was really
good and that in the conclusion he felt as if he was chasing after
the wind. Nothing was really accomplished. He went ahead to
observe that the eventual fate of the wise man and the fool are
the same, both go to the grave and return to the dust. Man will
never really make something great of himself, he will simply die. (However, God can make something great of him.)
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In the 3rd chapter the
lesson becomes very practical, as he makes the point that in life
there are seasons. He is directing us to learn to do
the thing that is in season because not much else will be
accomplished it that time. We must recognize that we are living in
God's world and not try to remake all the rules as we make this
journey. Men who try to remake the rules will live their lives in
sin and so receive the judgment of God.
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In the middle chapters of
the book we have a group of proverbs not much different than the
book by that name. Chapter 3 and verse 12 will be our
example of one of the thoughts often repeated. "I know that there
is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they
live. That every man may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in
all his toil -- this is the gift of God." Chapter 5 and verse
18 is another place where this concept is stated. The early
verses of chapter 5 challenge us to carefully consider our vows
to God. Later in the chapter some statements about wealth and the
value of earthly property should be noted.
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One of the greatest
challenges of the Old Testament is found in the early part of the
12th chapter. This text begins, "Remember your creator in the
days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years
approach..." This chapter is certainly a chapter of great wisdom.
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"Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his
commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will
bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil." (12:13-14)
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