The book of Ecclesiastes
The Book of Ecclesiastes
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
The book of Ecclesiastes takes a hard look at human life and the meaningless pursuit of things or feelings. Examples of such include riches, wisdom, pleasure, and advancement in life. It's interesting how this is just as relevant today as it was in 900 BC!
This book comes to the conclusion that striving to achieve anything other than keeping God's commandments is all for naught. The author undertook great projects, owned more herds than anyone in Jerusalem, had more women, etc. than anybody and the end result was likened to chasing the wind.
How many times have you heard of this in today's society? Unhappy millionaires. Depressed famous actors. You hear the story over and over. It just might stem from the fact that true fulfillment is found by placing God at the center of your life, not from these things or feelings that most of us chase.
Who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes?
The author of Ecclesiastes is unknown but likely Solomon.
Who is the audience?
God's people.
Timeframe Ecclesiastes was written:
Written sometime in the 900's BC.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
Life is essentially meaningless without God at the center.
Fun facts about Ecclesiastes/Did you know?
The tone of the book is generally negative and it makes you wonder if Solomon wrote this later one life after his experiences.
He had hundreds of wives that definitely influenced him to seek false idols such as wisdom, pleasures, riches, etc. and he might have come to these realizations after achieving each of the aforementioned.
