Poetry & Wisdom · Old Testament
The Book of Ecclesiastes
Life "under the sun" is fleeting, so we should fear God and enjoy his gifts.
- Author
- "The Teacher" (Qoheleth), traditionally identified with Solomon
- Date
- Uncertain; traditionally c. 935 BC
- Chapters
- 12
- Genre
- Poetry & Wisdom
Summary
Ecclesiastes records the reflections of the Teacher, who searches for meaning in wisdom, pleasure, work and wealth and finds that all of them, on their own, are "meaningless" — a passing breath.
Yet the book is not hopeless. It invites readers to receive food, work and relationships as gifts from God, to remember their Creator while they are young, and to live with the end in view. Its conclusion is simple: "Fear God and keep his commandments."
Outline
- Chapters 1–2 — Everything is meaningless
- Chapters 3–6 — Time, toil and life under the sun
- Chapters 7–12 — Wisdom for living and the conclusion
Key Themes
The limits of life under the sunEnjoying God's giftsTimeWisdomThe fear of God
Key Verses
3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens
Start reading EcclesiastesNow all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.