1
Q
What does Qohelet mean?
A
Preacher
2
Q
What is the traditional view for the identity of Qohelet, and what are arguments to substantiate that view?
A
Qohelet = Solomon
Arguments for Solomonic Authorship
Son of David, King in Jerusalem, King over Israel (1:1, 12)
Resources of Solomon make sense of 1:12-2:26
Predominant early Jewish and Christian view
3
Q
What are arguments against that view, and how did I respond to them?
A
Arguments against Solomonic Authorship
* Grammar and vocabulary reflect later Hebrew
o This argument has been undermined by recent research
* Solomon never mentioned by name
o Contrast Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; Canticles 1:1
4
Q
What are the two views of the narrator’s relationship to Qohelet, and which did I adopt in class?
A
- Relationship of the narrator to Qohelet
o Disagrees – a critical appraisal of Qohelet’s words
o Agrees – a positive approval of Qohelet’s words
I believe the latter approach is correct
All of Ecclesiastes is inspired and authoritative, reflecting God’s viewpoint of the subjects discussed
5
Q
Why is it that “fear God and keep His commandments” is not as obvious as it first sounds?
A
- In short,
o “Fear God and keep His commandments” seems extremely obvious. - Unless …
o One knows how incredibly paradoxical, mysterious, and frustrating the world is - Ecclesiastes calls for profound faith in God
6
Q
What does Ecclesiastes mean and what is the Hebrew word it translates?
A
- Ecclesiastes is Greek for Qohelet, preacher
7
Q
What is the theme of Ecclesiastes?
A
- “Everything is vanity”
8
Q
What does the word hebel mean?
A
- Literally, “breath” or “vapor”
- Metaphorically,
“Transitory (temporal)
“Worthless, empty,
“Incomprehensible, absurd” (Finkbeiner, 6)
9
Q
What does vanity of vanities mean?
A
- Vanity of vanities – superlative form (1:2;12:8) – completely hebel
10
Q
What is the point of describing everything “under the sun” as hebel?
A
Nothing here—whether natural or manmade—will satisfy our longings
11
Q
Why does Qohelet appeal to nature and history at the beginning of the book?
A
- Our efforts make no lasting change to our environment
- Human history makes the same point
12
Q
What is the purpose of Solomon’s investigation in 1:12 – 2:26?
A
1:12-13a – The Search for Meaning
* Solomon now speaks in the first person
* He speaks of an investigation to try to find meaning and escape the emptiness of life
o Is everything “done under heaven” really futile?
o Solomon was uniquely qualified to answer this question empirically
13
Q
What does a vexation of spirit mean?
A
- Everything man does “under the sun” is a chasing after the wind (vexation of spirit)
- This speaks of
o Frustration – you can’t catch the wind
o Futility – what would you do with it if you did?
14
Q
Where does Qohelet seek for meaning (what are his three major pursuits)?
A
- Royal Accomplishments
- Pleasure
- Wisdom
15
Q
Why is it important to realize that his search is being conducted “under the sun”?
A
The sun lights up everything down here. Under the sun is a formula that distinguishes heavenly from temporal. Everything above the sun is Heavenly.
* Qohelet makes two points that balance the truth that man has eternal longings that cannot be satisfied under the sun
o God has given man the gift of finding a measure of satisfaction even in this life (3:12-13)
o God has made this world mysterious so that man will see the difference between himself and God and will fear God (3:14-15)
16
Q
What is it that makes wisdom and folly essentially equal (under the sun)?
A
- Wisdom is better than folly (2:13-14a)
o At least the wise man can see what he is getting into - But death is the great equalizer (2:14b-16)
o Both the wise man and the fool will die
o The achievements of both are forgotten
o Even though wisdom is better, why bother?
Even wisdom is a chasing after wind (2:17)
17
Q
What is the role of 2:24-26 in the book?
A
- Some view verse 24a as a cynical invitation to unrestrained living in light of the futility of life under the sun
- This does not fit well with 24b-26, however.
- Instead, this section is Solomon’s anticipation of the conclusion of the argument.
18
Q
What are supplied in chapters 3-6?
A
Illustrations
19
Q
What is the point of the rhythms of life in 3:1-8?
A
- The wise man recognizes that every event under the sun has its proper time.
20
Q
What five points of assessment does Qohelet give the reader concerning the rhythms of life?
A
- First, these activities cannot of themselves profit (3:9) – they are a chasing of the wind.
- Second, God has assigned man these activities (3:10) – one cannot escape them.
- Third, God has perfectly designed all of them and made them beautiful (3:11a) – man’s problem is not with the activities themselves.
- Fourth, God has put within man a sense of something bigger (3:11b)
o World = a difficult Hebrew word that usually means eternity
o Man knows in his heart that there is more to life than the daily rhythms of life under the sun. - Fifth, nevertheless, man cannot discover God’s plan (3:11c)
o God’s plan is inscrutable.
o We are finite and can see only small slices of the whole.
o This is a source of great frustration!
o Man cannot be sovereign in God’s world!
21
Q
What two balancing points does Qohelet give the reader in 3:12-15?
A
- God has given man the gift of finding a measure of satisfaction even in this life (3:12-13)
- God has made this world mysterious so that man will see the difference between himself and God and will fear God (3:14-15)
22
Q
What is the heart of wisdom literature, and how does this relate to the rhythms of life?
A
- Fear of God
o This theme, so prominent in Proverbs, is the heart of wisdom literature.
23
Q
How does God’s judgment contrast with man’s?
A
- The “place of judgment” under the sun is the human law court.
o Solomon lamented the injustice that is rampant in human judgment. - He interrupts the thought here by observing that justice will finally be done in God’s law court.
o God’s judgment will be according to the fitness of things.
o He will judge with perfect wisdom.
24
Q
In what sense is man no better than an animal?
A
- Recall that Solomon is gathering empirical data “under the sun.”
o He occasionally interjects transcendent observations, but mostly he is looking at things from below
o From this standpoint, man is no better than an animal.
25
What expression does Qohelet use to indicate man’s discovery of God’s will for his life?
* But if man has a portion from God—i.e., a lot in life—then he can find some satisfaction in his labors, even in the face of death
26
What are three reasons that it is better to be a friendly person who balances work with relationships than an old miser?
* Unlike the miser, this person enjoys companionship.
o Friendship gives security (4:10)
o Friendship gives comfort (4:11)
o Friendship gives strength (4:12)
27
What is the point of the odd story about the old king and the two young men obtaining power?
* Solomon addresses the emptiness of even worship when it is done flippantly or with the wrong spirit.
* In this section, he gives four admonitions regarding right worship.
* Whether power is gained through seniority, wisdom, or popularity, it is fleeting.
* Political power is unstable and, therefore, futile.
28
What are Qohelet’s four admonitions regarding sound worship?
* Guard your steps as you approach the temple.
o Go with an attitude of humble submission.
o Rather than assuming that mere external worship will please God
This is the “sacrifice of fools.”
* Do not pray with a hasty or irreverent spirit
God’s greatness demands a cautious, reverent spirit when we enter His presence.
* Verse 3 is obscure, but it seems to condemn the fool who “thinks he will be heard for his much speaking.”
Approach reverently
Pray reverently
Root it all in the fear of God
29
What does Ecclesiastes teach about vows?
* These verses make it clear that it is better not to vow than to do so and then offend God by failing to fulfill it
30
Ultimately, what does right worship consist of?
* Right worship consists of fearing God
31
What are eight reasons accruing wealth will not finally satisfy?
1. Those who pursue wealth never get enough
* If more is the goal, one never reaches it.
* It is like a thirsty man drinking carbonated beverages.
2. As wealth increases, expenditures inevitably increase.
* The rich man just watches his dependents consume his gains.
3. Accrual of wealth generates anxiety that robs a person of security and peace
4. Some rich people hoard their wealth, doing neither themselves nor anyone else any good
5. Riches are easily lost
6. Riches cannot accompany one through death – they have no permanent value
7. Wealth cannot shield a person from sadness or sickness
* In contrast, the person who accepts his lot in life as a gift from God can rejoice in his labors
o Such a person will not unduly focus on the anxieties of life
o God gives him joy in his daily pursuits
32
What were the three traditional conditions for happiness in Hebrew thought?
* A man has “the three traditional conditions for happiness in Hebrew thought” (Garrett): rich, lives a long time, and has many children
33
What appears to be the general purpose of the proverbs in chapter 7?
* Solomon gives a series of proverbs that are intended to help the reader evaluate life wisely
34
How do the teachings of Job and Ecclesiastes modify our understanding of the sowing and reaping principle?
* Proverbs teaches the sowing and reaping principle
* Job and Ecclesiastes point out the many exceptions to this principle
o Sometimes the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper (7:15)
35
What does Qohelet mean when he says not to be overly righteous?
* In light of the mystery of life, Qohelet recommends balance
o Don’t be overly scrupulous, a “cheerless, frustrated legalist” (Finkbeiner)
Legalists think they will be blessed because of their punctilious behavior
There are no such guarantees, and such living is self-destructive
36
What is the theme of chapter 8?
Life’s Frustrations
37
What kind of advice does Qohelet give about living under an absolute monarch?
* Strive to obey the royal authority (8:2)
* Don’t get involved in a plot against him (the evil thing) (8:3)
* He is too powerful to successfully resist (8:4)
Don’t be a rebel
Instead figure out what his pleasure is, and serve him effectively
It may or may not work. He is absolute and may still kill you.
38
Is the Retribution Principle true? When will it be true? Why is this frustrating during life?
* Thus, the Retribution Principle is true
* But there are maddening exceptions under the sun
* Conclusion?
o Enjoy life!
o Don’t let the inequities get you down (8:15)
39
What is “one of the greatest frustrations of living under the sun”?
* One of the greatest frustrations of living under the sun is the mystery of God’s sovereign dispensations
40
What is the “great leveler”?
Death
41
Why should people “seize the day”?
* If life is fleeting and death is certain …
* Carpe diem!
o Eat, drink, and be merry
o Celebrate life
o Enjoy marriage
* Whatever God gives you to do, do it wholeheartedly – you’re going to die!
42
What is the twofold point of the story about the wise man who delivers a city?
Wisdom has more than military might, but nobody remembers that man.
* So wisdom has power (17-18a)
* But it has limitations (18b)
o One sinner can undo much that a wise man tries to accomplish
43
What are the three examples of foolishness in chapter 10?
First example – A fool’s speech (10:12-14)
Second example – A fool’s work (10:15)
Third example – A fool’s leadership (10:16-20)
44
What are the three examples of foolishness in chapter 10?
First example – A fool’s speech (10:12-14)
Second example – A fool’s work (10:15)
Third example – A fool’s leadership (10:16-20)
45
In his handling of finances and farming, what two things does Qohelet balance?
* On the one hand, wisdom is clearly superior to folly
* On the other hand, wisdom by no means exempts one from the troubles folly brings
46
Why does Qohelet focus on the young at the end of his book?
* The young people are especially tempted to put off thoughts of eternity and live for things “under the sun”
* If a young person will take heed, he can enjoy life to the fullest
47
What is the “great corrective to selfish, heedless living”?
The great corrective to selfish, heedless living is constant awareness of future judgment
48
The great corrective to selfish, heedless living is constant awareness of future judgment
Old age
49
What is the point of this gloomy portrait of old age and the description of death that follows?
Young man, it will be too late to serve God with your might when these dark days come.
50
In what two ways does the narrator describe the words of Qohelet, and what do these metaphors mean (probably)?
* Wise words are like goads
o Goads were sticks used to prod farm animals into right behavior
o They sting but they are effective motivators
* Nails fastened by the masters of assemblies = nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings
o Unclear metaphor, perhaps referring to their reliability
51
Who is the “one shepherd” who is the source of this teaching?
God is the one shepherd who sends wisdom through teachers like Qohelet to help his people through life.
52
What is meant by the statement that studying is wearisome?
* “There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting!” (NLT)
* There is a time for study and a time for putting principles into practice.
53
What two commands wrap up the narrator’s theme?
* Fear God – i.e., get to know God as He really is.
o This is also the foundational principle of Proverbs.
* Keep His commandments – this is the lifestyle that flows out of fearing God, i.e., the wise path
54
What two reasons does he give for obeying these commands?
* Two reasons for fearing and obeying God
1. This is the whole of man – this is the essence of what it means to be authentically human.
2. God will bring every act to judgment – this is a comprehensive and final judgment.
55
What is the axiom of the all the wise men of the Bible, which Kidner finds at the foundation of Ecclesiastes?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
56
What is the main approach of Qoheleth?
It is from the other end. To see how far a man will get with no basis on wisdom.
57
In what three main aspects does God meet us in Ecclesiastes?
In what three main aspects does God meet us in Ecclesiastes?
58
What three facts does experience throw in our faces to cause us to despair?
1. That of death
2. That of evil
3. Time and chance
59
How does the promise of future judgment paradoxically give us hope?
Because we can stop pretending that what is mortal is enough for us who were given a capacity for the eternal.
60
Because we can stop pretending that what is mortal is enough for us who were given a capacity for the eternal.
The phrase “under the sun” is the first hint given. It is reiterated nearly 30 times in the 12 short chapters.
61
The NT uses what word to describe the same reality?
“under the sun” is simply called the world in the NT
62
What modern expression is brought out by Kidner to explain what Qohelet means when he says there is nothing new under the sun?
There is nothing satisfying or really new.
63
When Qohelet says he tried wisdom, what does he mean by wisdom here?
The wisdom he talks about is the best thinking man can do on his own.
64
What is the paradox of hedonism?
The more you hunt for pleasure, the less of it you find.
65
Why does the man of the world object to his achievements falling into the hands of unworthy successors and being ruined?
He shares our inbuilt longing for that which is permanent.
66
Food, drink, and work are good in themselves, but what spoils them for us?
Our hunger to get out of them more than they can give.
67
What are two disturbing indications of the endless back and forth of this passage?
1. We dance to a tune, or many tunes, not of our own making
2. Nothing we pursue has any permanence
68
What problem in life dominates 3:16-4:3?
Life’s reversals and sudden shifts
69
What two facts support the charge that man is little better than an animal?
. 1 The role of greed and cunning in our affairs
2. The mortality which man shares with all earthly creatures.
70
What two attitudes to work are condemned in 4:4-5?
1. The competitive urge
2. The drop-out
71
Who is the writer’s target when he begins speaking about inadequate worship?
The well-meaning person who likes a good sing and turns up cheerfully enough to church; but who listens with half an ear, and never quite gets around to what he has volunteered to do for God.
72
What two realistic comments does Qohelet make after mentioning the predatory nature of government bureaucracies in 5:8?
What two realistic comments does Qohelet make after mentioning the predatory nature of government bureaucracies in 5:8?
73
In what way is the day of death better than the day of birth in this context?
The day of death has more to teach us than the day of birth; its lessons are more factual, and, paradoxically, more vital.
74
What two facts support the charge that man is little better than an animal?
1The role of greed and cunning in our affairs
2. The mortality which man shares with all earthly creatures.
75
What two attitudes to work are condemned in 4:4-5?
1. The competitive urge
2. The drop-out
76
Who is the writer’s target when he begins speaking about inadequate worship?
The well-meaning person who likes a good sing and turns up cheerfully enough to church; but who listens with half an ear, and never quite gets around to what he has volunteered to do for God.
77
What two realistic comments does Qohelet make after mentioning the predatory nature of government bureaucracies in 5:8?
1. Its predatory self-absorption
2. Each official keeping a baleful eye on the next one down the list
78
1.Its predatory self-absorption
2. Each official keeping a baleful eye on the next one down the list
The day of death has more to teach us than the day of birth; its lessons are more factual, and, paradoxically, more vital.
79
What does Qohelet mean when he speaks of God making things crooked?
It speaks not of moral crookedness, but of the shapes of things and events which we find awkward but should accept from God. It includes His judgments.
80
What is a good path to the beginning of wisdom if not the beginning of the wisdom itself?
What is a good path to the beginning of wisdom if not the beginning of the wisdom itself?
81
How does Kidner explain that Qohelet could not find a single faithful woman in a thousand?
He is not dogmatizing but reporting. It is not universalized. To the point is that he exposes to us the part that sin can play on both sides of an encounter between the sexes.
82
What is the “burning question of the book” of Ecclesiastes?
Whether life has any point, and if so, what it is.
83
. Why is it that innumerable unbelievers do not seem to have an earthly end in either wickedness or madness, despite the claims of Qohelet?
Because the logic of their unbelief has not been followed through, thanks to the restraining grace of God.
84
What three imperatives summarize the three thrusts towards “the end of the matter”?
1. Be bold
2. Be joyful
3. Be godly
85
What in context does Kidner mean when he says, “Joy was created to dance with goodness, not alone”?
God’s goodness was designed to bring us joy.
86
What does it mean to remember our Creator?
It means to drop our pretence of self-sufficiency and commit ourselves to Him.
87
What condition of man is described with a series of metaphors in 12:2-6?
Aging or dying
88
By what title is God known here, as a counterpoint to the fact that He is Creator in 12:1?
89
What is “whole duty of man” in Hebrew, and what is the significance of this?
What is “whole duty of man” in Hebrew, and what is the significance of this?
90
What is “whole duty of man” in Hebrew, and what is the significance of this?
What is “whole duty of man” in Hebrew, and what is the significance of this?
91
What is “whole duty of man” in Hebrew, and what is the significance of this?
The Hebrew leaves the whole duty of many undefined. “This, as we might translate it, is all that there is to man; but it is an all which stands in utter contrast to the vanity with which the book has been confronting us. Here at last we shall find reality and find ourselves.
92
7. How does verse 14 give all of life purpose and meaning?
If God cares as much as this, nothing can be pointless.
Proverbs & Ecclesiastes
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