1:1
(Ecclesiastes 1:1 HCSB) The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.
The Teacher. The word here is Qoheleth and may come from the word kahal, which means “assembly” (cp assembly in Exodus 16:3 and Numbers 16:3). It’s a wise person who leads or stands before an assembly like a school or a congregation. So, it can be translated “preacher”, “teacher”, or “one known to be wise.” Some propose that it may refer to a particularly wise leader or to someone who has become wise through diligent application to the collection and study of wisdom literature. The fact that “Qoheleth” is grammatically feminine is not an issue because it can also be used of males (cf. Ezra 2:55, 57 and Nehemiah 7:57, 59 for another example of a term being applied to both genders)
Son of David. There was only one David, Israel’s greatest king who ruled from about 1010-970 BC. David’s son Absalom was killed when he rebelled and tried to usurp the throne. That leaves Solomon. Solomon took the throne from about 970-931 BC. He was famous for his great wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34).
King in Jerusalem. The immediate context leaves us unsure of whether the phrase is intended to describe David or David’s son. Small matter. Verse twelve clearly states that the author was also king. This makes us even more certain that the author is Solomon. Think about it; a king whose father was David and who was known for his great wisdom. Do you have any better candidates?
The Teacher. The word here is Qoheleth and may come from the word kahal, which means “assembly” (cp assembly in Exodus 16:3 and Numbers 16:3). It’s a wise person who leads or stands before an assembly like a school or a congregation. So, it can be translated “preacher”, “teacher”, or “one known to be wise.” Some propose that it may refer to a particularly wise leader or to someone who has become wise through diligent application to the collection and study of wisdom literature. The fact that “Qoheleth” is grammatically feminine is not an issue because it can also be used of males (cf. Ezra 2:55, 57 and Nehemiah 7:57, 59 for another example of a term being applied to both genders)
Son of David. There was only one David, Israel’s greatest king who ruled from about 1010-970 BC. David’s son Absalom was killed when he rebelled and tried to usurp the throne. That leaves Solomon. Solomon took the throne from about 970-931 BC. He was famous for his great wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34).
King in Jerusalem. The immediate context leaves us unsure of whether the phrase is intended to describe David or David’s son. Small matter. Verse twelve clearly states that the author was also king. This makes us even more certain that the author is Solomon. Think about it; a king whose father was David and who was known for his great wisdom. Do you have any better candidates?
1:2
(Ecclesiastes 1:2 HCSB) "Absolute futility," says the Teacher. "Absolute futility. Everything is futile."
Absolute futility. This literally means “nothing makes sense.” As Qoheleth puts it “Hevel hevelim…hakol hevel!” Fuitility of futilities…it’s all futile!” The Hebrew here is “hevel” (Strong’s H1892), which means “breath” (Psalm 39:5, 11; 62:9; 144:4). The emphasis is thus on the ephemeral nature of things found to be “under the sun.” Trying to hold on to them or to make sense of them is as useless as attempting to catch one’s breath in one’s hand. It can also have the implication of unreliability. In Ecclesiastes 2:26, its meaning is underscored by pairing it with a “pursuit of the wind”. The term occurs about 35 times in Ecclesiastes but only once elsewhere (Job 27:12).
Note its occurrence as the name “Abel” (Strong’s H1893) in Genesis chapter 4. The young man who was shortly to die was called “Hebel” or “mere breath” while his killer was named “spear” (cp 2 Samuel 21:16).
Everything. Since the conclusion of the book is that only those things that are done with kavanah for God then “everything” here and “all things” in verse 8 and other such iterations throughout the book must be understood as “everything undertaken apart from God.” Thus, we could read, as the author often does, “everything – under the sun.”
Absolute futility. This literally means “nothing makes sense.” As Qoheleth puts it “Hevel hevelim…hakol hevel!” Fuitility of futilities…it’s all futile!” The Hebrew here is “hevel” (Strong’s H1892), which means “breath” (Psalm 39:5, 11; 62:9; 144:4). The emphasis is thus on the ephemeral nature of things found to be “under the sun.” Trying to hold on to them or to make sense of them is as useless as attempting to catch one’s breath in one’s hand. It can also have the implication of unreliability. In Ecclesiastes 2:26, its meaning is underscored by pairing it with a “pursuit of the wind”. The term occurs about 35 times in Ecclesiastes but only once elsewhere (Job 27:12).
Note its occurrence as the name “Abel” (Strong’s H1893) in Genesis chapter 4. The young man who was shortly to die was called “Hebel” or “mere breath” while his killer was named “spear” (cp 2 Samuel 21:16).
Everything. Since the conclusion of the book is that only those things that are done with kavanah for God then “everything” here and “all things” in verse 8 and other such iterations throughout the book must be understood as “everything undertaken apart from God.” Thus, we could read, as the author often does, “everything – under the sun.”
1:3
Sower under the sun by Van Gogh
(Ecclesiastes 1:3 HCSB) What does a man gain for all his efforts he labors at under the sun?
What does a man gain. Obviously, working and achieving are intrinsically valuable. Consider the quality of life (or lack thereof) we would suffer if many did not strive and labor! However, labor for the sake of labor will be found unsatisfying to the human spirit in the long run. Why is that? First, it doesn’t really challenge us. What may be difficult at first and thus interesting, rapidly devolves into a mundane chore. Even the most intellectually challenging job rarely delves into every aspect of the human psyche or fails to satiate spiritual or emotional hungers. Second, labor that is “under the sun” yields no lasting positive result. If you produce something people need, the next generation will also need and the one after that and the one after that. If you produce something that is entertaining or titillating, fashions swiftly change and human tastes evolve. Soon what you produce will be outmoded and passé.
Gain. Yithrown is a commercial term implying "surplus" or "profit" (see also 2:11; 3:9; 5:8, 15; 10:10). Money may come in but do you actually end up profiting?
His efforts. Work occupies a large portion of humanity’s life. Thus, a large portion of our lives are wasted if only focused on this plane of existence. It’s a terrible thing to come to the end of our lives with our principle achievement having only been clothing and housing our temporary bodies. Success and prosperity just don’t last (Psalm 103:14-16; Isaiah 40:6-8; James 4:14). Jesus elaborated on this subject in Mark 8:36-38 asking “What does it benefit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can a man give in exchange for his life?” As Qoheleth did, Jesus’ answer was to live with the end of life and the Judgment Seat in mind, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).
The term Qoheleth uses for the various human activities is ma’aseh (“deed, work, action”) which comes from ‘-s-h, which means to do or to make. He considers all the varied ma’aseh of mankind, whether they be amassing wealth or power, friendships, the inculcation of virtues, the imposition of human authority, folly, wisdom, work, or achieving old age, and concludes they are all hevel – futile and ultimately incomprehensible. The only time that human ma’aseh becomes meaningful is when it is involved in understanding or obeying the Scriptures or as an act of worship dedicated to Adonai. However, any ma’aseh, regardless of how trivial it may seem to us, that is dedicated to God with true kavanah is considered an act of divine worship and will be rewarded by our Judge. (Matthew 10:42; Mark 9:41)
Under the sun. This phrase will be repeated throughout the book of Ecclesiastes (about 29 times) so it is critical that we grasp the author’s intent. The same can be found in Phoenician and Elamite literature. It’s a colloquialism that means “from a merely human perspective” or “taking only this earth and this life into account” apart from God. Another phrase that Adonaists use that has the same kind of meaning is olam hazeh. Olam hazeh is this life, this world, this culture. Olam habah is the next life, eternity, the world to come. Qoheleth will go to great lengths to demonstrate how a life lived apart from God, without olam habah in mind, is futile, useless, vain, and without real meaning. The fact that another term “under heaven” is used synonymously (though less often Ecclesiastes 1:13; 2:3; 3:1) clearly indicates the author’s intent to use the phrase to mean “apart from God” or “not according to God’s way of doing things.”
A lot of false philosophy will be presented in this book so it is important to note when it says that the philosophy is “under the sun.” This philosophy is very difficult to eradicate from our mindsets. Even many believers continue to struggle with the idea that the righteous will be blessed with good fortune while the wicked will universally be punished in this life. Solomon does his best to discredit that foolishness. Our true meaning is not in our accomplishments but in our relationship with God. The activities we choose, the careers we follow, the families we raise, all these are to be considered as means to better know, love, honor, and obey God. They are means. Adonai is the end.
As if to illustrate the futility of “under the sun” philosophy, Qoheleth does not systematically treat all the topics that are discussed. Instead, he revisits some of them, sometimes several times and each time he does he sometimes builds on to what was previously said or, in some cases, even contradicts what was previously said! Needless to say it makes for confusing reading. Ecclesiastes is not for the theologically faint of heart!
What does a man gain. Obviously, working and achieving are intrinsically valuable. Consider the quality of life (or lack thereof) we would suffer if many did not strive and labor! However, labor for the sake of labor will be found unsatisfying to the human spirit in the long run. Why is that? First, it doesn’t really challenge us. What may be difficult at first and thus interesting, rapidly devolves into a mundane chore. Even the most intellectually challenging job rarely delves into every aspect of the human psyche or fails to satiate spiritual or emotional hungers. Second, labor that is “under the sun” yields no lasting positive result. If you produce something people need, the next generation will also need and the one after that and the one after that. If you produce something that is entertaining or titillating, fashions swiftly change and human tastes evolve. Soon what you produce will be outmoded and passé.
Gain. Yithrown is a commercial term implying "surplus" or "profit" (see also 2:11; 3:9; 5:8, 15; 10:10). Money may come in but do you actually end up profiting?
His efforts. Work occupies a large portion of humanity’s life. Thus, a large portion of our lives are wasted if only focused on this plane of existence. It’s a terrible thing to come to the end of our lives with our principle achievement having only been clothing and housing our temporary bodies. Success and prosperity just don’t last (Psalm 103:14-16; Isaiah 40:6-8; James 4:14). Jesus elaborated on this subject in Mark 8:36-38 asking “What does it benefit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can a man give in exchange for his life?” As Qoheleth did, Jesus’ answer was to live with the end of life and the Judgment Seat in mind, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).
The term Qoheleth uses for the various human activities is ma’aseh (“deed, work, action”) which comes from ‘-s-h, which means to do or to make. He considers all the varied ma’aseh of mankind, whether they be amassing wealth or power, friendships, the inculcation of virtues, the imposition of human authority, folly, wisdom, work, or achieving old age, and concludes they are all hevel – futile and ultimately incomprehensible. The only time that human ma’aseh becomes meaningful is when it is involved in understanding or obeying the Scriptures or as an act of worship dedicated to Adonai. However, any ma’aseh, regardless of how trivial it may seem to us, that is dedicated to God with true kavanah is considered an act of divine worship and will be rewarded by our Judge. (Matthew 10:42; Mark 9:41)
Under the sun. This phrase will be repeated throughout the book of Ecclesiastes (about 29 times) so it is critical that we grasp the author’s intent. The same can be found in Phoenician and Elamite literature. It’s a colloquialism that means “from a merely human perspective” or “taking only this earth and this life into account” apart from God. Another phrase that Adonaists use that has the same kind of meaning is olam hazeh. Olam hazeh is this life, this world, this culture. Olam habah is the next life, eternity, the world to come. Qoheleth will go to great lengths to demonstrate how a life lived apart from God, without olam habah in mind, is futile, useless, vain, and without real meaning. The fact that another term “under heaven” is used synonymously (though less often Ecclesiastes 1:13; 2:3; 3:1) clearly indicates the author’s intent to use the phrase to mean “apart from God” or “not according to God’s way of doing things.”
A lot of false philosophy will be presented in this book so it is important to note when it says that the philosophy is “under the sun.” This philosophy is very difficult to eradicate from our mindsets. Even many believers continue to struggle with the idea that the righteous will be blessed with good fortune while the wicked will universally be punished in this life. Solomon does his best to discredit that foolishness. Our true meaning is not in our accomplishments but in our relationship with God. The activities we choose, the careers we follow, the families we raise, all these are to be considered as means to better know, love, honor, and obey God. They are means. Adonai is the end.
As if to illustrate the futility of “under the sun” philosophy, Qoheleth does not systematically treat all the topics that are discussed. Instead, he revisits some of them, sometimes several times and each time he does he sometimes builds on to what was previously said or, in some cases, even contradicts what was previously said! Needless to say it makes for confusing reading. Ecclesiastes is not for the theologically faint of heart!
1:4
(Ecclesiastes 1:4 HCSB) A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.
Generation goes…comes. If you don’t take olam habah into account, humanity may possibly be immortal (barring epidemic, holocaust, or meteoric strike) but the individual perishes. No one person is ultimately any more important than any other. From atheism’s hopeless and nihilistic point of view we emerge from oblivion, sing briefly in the sunlight, and sink back into oblivion.
Each generation is born and dies but the earth and its seasons continue largely unaffected. We shouldn’t get tremendously excited about the rise and fall of empires or the success or collapse of individual nations. All these things have a tendency of passing by the wayside.
The only constant that Qoheleth sees is death. It is the one immutable fact that everything from humans to mountains must face. Everything passes by the wayside. From the perspective of “under the sun”, if there is life after death, none of us can see it so we might as well not rely on it.
Qoheleth gives us several examples of this circuitous principle. Generations come and go. Sun rises are followed by sun sets. The wind blows round and round. The hydrologic cycle. His point is two-fold. First, as nature, so human effort. It is circuitous, wearisome, and eventually you end up back right where you started. Second, he emphasizes what he will later describe as “nothing new under the sun” (v. 9). Each generation thinks it’s doing something new and wonderful only to later realize that the fundamental principles have been around since time immemorial. It’s like we keep trying the same things again and again.
Earth remains forever. At least this seems true from the limited perspective of humans who live a mere century. Contrasting our ephemeral lives with “deep time” for instance, makes most people quail before the weight of time. However, even the Earth has a limited lifespan and so does the universe. In the end, it will all pass away (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 16:17; 21:23; 2 Peter 3:12).
Generation goes…comes. If you don’t take olam habah into account, humanity may possibly be immortal (barring epidemic, holocaust, or meteoric strike) but the individual perishes. No one person is ultimately any more important than any other. From atheism’s hopeless and nihilistic point of view we emerge from oblivion, sing briefly in the sunlight, and sink back into oblivion.
Each generation is born and dies but the earth and its seasons continue largely unaffected. We shouldn’t get tremendously excited about the rise and fall of empires or the success or collapse of individual nations. All these things have a tendency of passing by the wayside.
The only constant that Qoheleth sees is death. It is the one immutable fact that everything from humans to mountains must face. Everything passes by the wayside. From the perspective of “under the sun”, if there is life after death, none of us can see it so we might as well not rely on it.
Qoheleth gives us several examples of this circuitous principle. Generations come and go. Sun rises are followed by sun sets. The wind blows round and round. The hydrologic cycle. His point is two-fold. First, as nature, so human effort. It is circuitous, wearisome, and eventually you end up back right where you started. Second, he emphasizes what he will later describe as “nothing new under the sun” (v. 9). Each generation thinks it’s doing something new and wonderful only to later realize that the fundamental principles have been around since time immemorial. It’s like we keep trying the same things again and again.
Earth remains forever. At least this seems true from the limited perspective of humans who live a mere century. Contrasting our ephemeral lives with “deep time” for instance, makes most people quail before the weight of time. However, even the Earth has a limited lifespan and so does the universe. In the end, it will all pass away (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 16:17; 21:23; 2 Peter 3:12).
1:5-7
Ecclesiastes 1:5-7 HCSB The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, it returns to its place where it rises. (6) Gusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles. (7) All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full. The streams are flowing to the place, and they flow there again.
Sun pants. The personification of the sun was a common tool among the worldly philosophers (e.g. the Mesopotamian Shamash and the Greek Helios). Solomon, with all his wives that requested temples for their foreign gods, would surely have been aware of this.
We're told about King Josiah who reigned c.649-609:
Circulation of the atmosphere. It wasn’t until 1820 A.D. that the first weather map was made. And it wasn’t until 1940 A.D. that air circulation patterns are discovered. Air warms at the equator, then moves toward the poles. As it cools, it travels south.
In the 1950s and the 1960s, Prof. Ye led a group of Chinese scientists engaging in the study of the dynamics of atmospheric general circulation. Among many others, they found the significant differences in the balances of angular momentum, heat and energy between low and high-index circulation. For the first time, they studied thoroughly the formation, development, maintenance, and decay of blocking high in winter season in different regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They showed that the seasonal change from winter state of atmospheric circulation to that of summer was completed in a series of abrupt changes. His book "Some Fundamental Problems of the General Circulation of the Atmosphere" (1958) was one of the earliest publications in the dynamics of the general circulation of the atmosphere. However, the Teacher provides us in this passage a remarkable picture of what was to be a modern discovery - the world’s great wind circuits, in the global circulation of the atmosphere.
Oceanic origin of rain. At its simplest level, the water cycle is the balance of evaporation and precipitation. The energy from the sun causes water on the earth to evaporate, this vapor moves through the atmosphere and falls as rain, sleet, or snow. The oceans, which cover 71% of the earths surface, have an average depth of 3500m and contain around 97% of the water on the earth some 1,350,000,000 km3 . Obviously, this is salt water. Only 3% of the earth's water is fresh, but it is not all available to humans since the next largest pool of water is tied up in the polar ice caps and continental glaciers — 33,000,000 km3 or almost 2% of the fresh water. Estimates of the amount of ground water trapped below the earth are poor but it may be as much as 15,300,000 km3. Generally, this water does not participate in the hydrological cycle, but human activities can access it and water that is thousands of years old, such as in desert aquifers, can be removed but not replaced thus upsetting the system. Water is also held in the soil around and between the particles — 122,000 km3. Of this, about half is estimated to be within the rooting zone of plants. We depend primarily on the small pool of water in freshwater lakes and rivers which only makes up 0.3% of freshwater.
One of the smallest pools of water is actually in the atmosphere (13,000 km3) despite what we might think about the amount of rain that falls! This is because water is rapidly cycled through the atmosphere - every 12 days the pool is renewed.
Sun pants. The personification of the sun was a common tool among the worldly philosophers (e.g. the Mesopotamian Shamash and the Greek Helios). Solomon, with all his wives that requested temples for their foreign gods, would surely have been aware of this.
We're told about King Josiah who reigned c.649-609:
- 2 Kings 23:11 HCSB He did away with the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They had been at the entrance of the LORD's temple in the precincts by the chamber of Nathan-melech the court official, and he burned up the chariots of the sun.
Circulation of the atmosphere. It wasn’t until 1820 A.D. that the first weather map was made. And it wasn’t until 1940 A.D. that air circulation patterns are discovered. Air warms at the equator, then moves toward the poles. As it cools, it travels south.
In the 1950s and the 1960s, Prof. Ye led a group of Chinese scientists engaging in the study of the dynamics of atmospheric general circulation. Among many others, they found the significant differences in the balances of angular momentum, heat and energy between low and high-index circulation. For the first time, they studied thoroughly the formation, development, maintenance, and decay of blocking high in winter season in different regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They showed that the seasonal change from winter state of atmospheric circulation to that of summer was completed in a series of abrupt changes. His book "Some Fundamental Problems of the General Circulation of the Atmosphere" (1958) was one of the earliest publications in the dynamics of the general circulation of the atmosphere. However, the Teacher provides us in this passage a remarkable picture of what was to be a modern discovery - the world’s great wind circuits, in the global circulation of the atmosphere.
Oceanic origin of rain. At its simplest level, the water cycle is the balance of evaporation and precipitation. The energy from the sun causes water on the earth to evaporate, this vapor moves through the atmosphere and falls as rain, sleet, or snow. The oceans, which cover 71% of the earths surface, have an average depth of 3500m and contain around 97% of the water on the earth some 1,350,000,000 km3 . Obviously, this is salt water. Only 3% of the earth's water is fresh, but it is not all available to humans since the next largest pool of water is tied up in the polar ice caps and continental glaciers — 33,000,000 km3 or almost 2% of the fresh water. Estimates of the amount of ground water trapped below the earth are poor but it may be as much as 15,300,000 km3. Generally, this water does not participate in the hydrological cycle, but human activities can access it and water that is thousands of years old, such as in desert aquifers, can be removed but not replaced thus upsetting the system. Water is also held in the soil around and between the particles — 122,000 km3. Of this, about half is estimated to be within the rooting zone of plants. We depend primarily on the small pool of water in freshwater lakes and rivers which only makes up 0.3% of freshwater.
One of the smallest pools of water is actually in the atmosphere (13,000 km3) despite what we might think about the amount of rain that falls! This is because water is rapidly cycled through the atmosphere - every 12 days the pool is renewed.
1:8
(Ecclesiastes 1:8 HCSB) All things are wearisome; man is unable to speak. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing.
All things are wearisome. When we begin to look at the futility of everything from the “under the sun” perspective, life rapidly becomes wearisome – boring. Small wonder that many philosophers who followed this idea to its logical end became nihilists. Each of us needs to rethink our purpose and direction in life. We may climb the “ladder to success” all the way to the top, only to find it leads nowhere.
All things are wearisome. When we begin to look at the futility of everything from the “under the sun” perspective, life rapidly becomes wearisome – boring. Small wonder that many philosophers who followed this idea to its logical end became nihilists. Each of us needs to rethink our purpose and direction in life. We may climb the “ladder to success” all the way to the top, only to find it leads nowhere.
1:9
(Ecclesiastes 1:9 HCSB) What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.
What has been is what will be. If in the past tyrants have lied or have used religion as a political tool, we can be assured that modern ones will be no different. We can look at this with Qoheleth’s jaundiced eye or we can use this principle. We can look at past civilizations that faced some of the same kind of challenges we do and see what worked and didn’t work for them. As the Scriptures say, “These things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11)
Nothing new. If it seems new, it is only because humans quickly and easily forget. Technologies may evolve, but the fundamentals of life are what this book is about. Humanity does not really change. The big important principles of life don’t change. People still love, hate, are greedy, are occasionally kind, are born, struggle through life, and die. Governments rise, thrive, stabilize, grown stagnant, and die. These do not change.
What has been is what will be. If in the past tyrants have lied or have used religion as a political tool, we can be assured that modern ones will be no different. We can look at this with Qoheleth’s jaundiced eye or we can use this principle. We can look at past civilizations that faced some of the same kind of challenges we do and see what worked and didn’t work for them. As the Scriptures say, “These things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11)
Nothing new. If it seems new, it is only because humans quickly and easily forget. Technologies may evolve, but the fundamentals of life are what this book is about. Humanity does not really change. The big important principles of life don’t change. People still love, hate, are greedy, are occasionally kind, are born, struggle through life, and die. Governments rise, thrive, stabilize, grown stagnant, and die. These do not change.
1:10
public latrines in Ephesus
(Ecclesiastes 1:10 HCSB) Can one say about anything, "Look, this is new"? It has already existed in the ages before us.
Already existed. This holds true even for some technologies. We love our indoor plumbing but many ancient societies had it too. We love our rapid communication but ancient societies also had ways to communicate rapidly over long distances using watch fires, or smoke, or drums. The form may change but because human needs are pretty constant, those needs have always been met somehow.
Already existed. This holds true even for some technologies. We love our indoor plumbing but many ancient societies had it too. We love our rapid communication but ancient societies also had ways to communicate rapidly over long distances using watch fires, or smoke, or drums. The form may change but because human needs are pretty constant, those needs have always been met somehow.
1:11
(Ecclesiastes 1:11 HCSB) There is no memory of those who came before; and of those who will come after there will also be no memory among those who follow them.
No memory. Quick! Name one of your great great grandparents! See what he means? Even those who do things others write about, or those who write books, are generally forgotten. Though many of us believe Solomon was Qoheleth, we don’t really know that. We can’t invest ourselves too much in doing great things and being great simply because of the mark we’ll leave in history. We just do things because they’re the right thing to do. Paradoxically, there is only one way to be remembered forever – it is to have God who is eternal and immutable take note.
No memory. Quick! Name one of your great great grandparents! See what he means? Even those who do things others write about, or those who write books, are generally forgotten. Though many of us believe Solomon was Qoheleth, we don’t really know that. We can’t invest ourselves too much in doing great things and being great simply because of the mark we’ll leave in history. We just do things because they’re the right thing to do. Paradoxically, there is only one way to be remembered forever – it is to have God who is eternal and immutable take note.
1:12-13
Ecclesiastes 1:12-13 HCSB I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. (13) I applied my mind to seek and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied.
King over Jerusalem. See notes on v.1
I applied my mind. The Hebrew here is natati et-libi. In contrast to most people in this world, Qoheleth consciously and deliberately set a course of philosophical exploration before him. It didn’t matter. The results were the same. Those who blindly bounced from circumstance to circumstance and the wisest king who ever lived both end up living vain, futile lives when they don’t submit to Hashem’s superior wisdom. In his pursuit of folly, Solomon accrued hundreds of wives and investigated other religions. In the process, he was led astray from God and ended up burning out his people so badly that his kingdom split shortly after his death and Israel was never the same again.
God. The only name for God used throughout the book (used almost 30 times) is Elohim, the same name used in the creation account. This is the most common noun used for God. The odd thing about this name is its plural form. Thus, when not used for Yahweh, it means “gods” of the goyim. I believe that this is a reference to the Trinity. Regardless of that oddity, the term usually connotes Hashem’s sovereignty.
King over Jerusalem. See notes on v.1
I applied my mind. The Hebrew here is natati et-libi. In contrast to most people in this world, Qoheleth consciously and deliberately set a course of philosophical exploration before him. It didn’t matter. The results were the same. Those who blindly bounced from circumstance to circumstance and the wisest king who ever lived both end up living vain, futile lives when they don’t submit to Hashem’s superior wisdom. In his pursuit of folly, Solomon accrued hundreds of wives and investigated other religions. In the process, he was led astray from God and ended up burning out his people so badly that his kingdom split shortly after his death and Israel was never the same again.
God. The only name for God used throughout the book (used almost 30 times) is Elohim, the same name used in the creation account. This is the most common noun used for God. The odd thing about this name is its plural form. Thus, when not used for Yahweh, it means “gods” of the goyim. I believe that this is a reference to the Trinity. Regardless of that oddity, the term usually connotes Hashem’s sovereignty.
1:14
(Ecclesiastes 1:14 HCSB) I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.
I have seen all things done. As king of Jerusalem, Solomon no doubt had access to more than 1,000 years of recorded history. See note on “all before me” in v.16.
Pursuit of the wind. The Hebrew word for “pursuit” here is the same word used for shepherding sheep. It’s thus even more ridiculous than it may seem at first sight. Surely, trying to “shepherd” wind is more ludicrous than “chasing” it. We think that we’re in control. We think that we have plans and make them succeed by our efforts. But we die and leave our riches to others. Soon our great name fades and following generations don’t know who we are. It’s just so much shepherding wind. This metaphor for futility and meaninglessness is used nine times in the first half of Qoheleth’s discourse (vv. 14, 17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9). A similar type of construction can also be seen at 5:16.
I have seen all things done. As king of Jerusalem, Solomon no doubt had access to more than 1,000 years of recorded history. See note on “all before me” in v.16.
Pursuit of the wind. The Hebrew word for “pursuit” here is the same word used for shepherding sheep. It’s thus even more ridiculous than it may seem at first sight. Surely, trying to “shepherd” wind is more ludicrous than “chasing” it. We think that we’re in control. We think that we have plans and make them succeed by our efforts. But we die and leave our riches to others. Soon our great name fades and following generations don’t know who we are. It’s just so much shepherding wind. This metaphor for futility and meaninglessness is used nine times in the first half of Qoheleth’s discourse (vv. 14, 17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9). A similar type of construction can also be seen at 5:16.
1:15
(Ecclesiastes 1:15 HCSB) What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.
Cannot be straightened. Not all wrongs can be righted. Some mistakes will haunt us forever. Not all questions will be answered. We can either let this crush us, roll over and die, or we can fix our minds on the ultimates, and proceed forward, trusting God to provide the answers we need when we need them. Also, because of the yetzer hara, humanity’s fundamentally flawed and fallen nature will not be ultimately changed by anything we do. We may change a life here, a life there, but the vast majority will continue plodding on the broad path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). So, it would be better if we learned to contentedly serve, accepting our lot in life, learning to be content in whatever circumstances we are (Philippians 4:11), knowing that the Master will straighten all things out at either the Bimah Seat or the Great White Throne of Judgment. Either way, it’ll all come out. So, just do what’s right regardless.
Cannot be straightened. Not all wrongs can be righted. Some mistakes will haunt us forever. Not all questions will be answered. We can either let this crush us, roll over and die, or we can fix our minds on the ultimates, and proceed forward, trusting God to provide the answers we need when we need them. Also, because of the yetzer hara, humanity’s fundamentally flawed and fallen nature will not be ultimately changed by anything we do. We may change a life here, a life there, but the vast majority will continue plodding on the broad path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). So, it would be better if we learned to contentedly serve, accepting our lot in life, learning to be content in whatever circumstances we are (Philippians 4:11), knowing that the Master will straighten all things out at either the Bimah Seat or the Great White Throne of Judgment. Either way, it’ll all come out. So, just do what’s right regardless.
1:16
(Ecclesiastes 1:16 HCSB) I said to myself, "Look, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge."
I have amassed. What ambitious men do not try to impress their views on others whether through public speaking or through the written word? All who have had as a goal influencing the public have used the preaching or teaching in some form or fashion.
Qoheleth had the wonderful privilege of having his writings included in the canon. We lesser men must content ourselves with writing on the hearts and lives of our fellow man. But wait! This media may even, in a sense, outlast the Scriptures themselves. Were I to deeply engrave on the granite face of a mountain, that would still erode with time. Even were it to last to the end of the world, the end of the world would be the end of that record. The human spirit, on the other hand, is eternal. It will continue on through eternity though heaven and earth pass away. Long after we outgrow the need for the written Word for because" we know fully as we are now are known" (1 Corinthians 13:12), the godly influence we have exerted will yet be felt. There is only one record more permanent that the human mind and heart and that is the mind of eternal and immutable God, Natsar Adam, the “Watcher of Mankind” who tracks our works (Psalm 139:16; Malachi 3:16; Revelation 20:12).
My goal is to fill the library of heaven with such books.
Wisdom. We often think of wisdom as a form of common sense; an accumulation of practical skill useful in solving everyday problems. Sometimes, wisdom is considered to be the ability to investigate and resolve tough questions about life issues or about transcendental. In Proverbs (also largely written by Solomon), we see three levels:
1. Knowledge – accumulation of facts
2. Understanding – ability to see the relatedness of those facts
3. Wisdom – the ability to know how and when to apply that understanding
Where those who are stuck “under the sun” believe wisdom to be a skill that solves problems, that is merely understanding. Proverbs teaches us that true wisdom is based on Yahweh Yirah – fear of the Lord. True wisdom comes from God and will only be granted to those who obey Him (Proverbs 2:6-7).
All those who were over Jerusalem before me. One liberal commentator opined that Solomon must have forgotten that Jerusalem had only been under Hebrew rule since his father David. The man is an idiot. Solomon didn’t say “All those Hebrew kings before me”. He said “All those who were over Jerusalem before me”. That would include Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18); Adoni-Zedek (Joshua 10:1) and Abdi-Khepa, who was mentioned in the Egyptian Amarna letters. If (as I believe) Melchizedek founded Jerusalem (Isaiah 14:32; 22:9-11; also 5:1-2) that would mean that Salem, or as it would later become known Jerusalem, was founded no later than c. 2150 BC then by Solomon’s time the city was already more than 1,000 years old. Imagine how many kings ruled over Zion in that amount of time! Kings have a habit of recording their deeds and thoughts. They build libraries and establish archives. Even if they don’t all their bureaucrats that help them manage the kingdom do so. Solomon had access to the accumulated knowledge of a millennia, looked it over, and then promptly at least doubled it. He literally “amassed wisdom” far beyond any king before him.
I have amassed. What ambitious men do not try to impress their views on others whether through public speaking or through the written word? All who have had as a goal influencing the public have used the preaching or teaching in some form or fashion.
Qoheleth had the wonderful privilege of having his writings included in the canon. We lesser men must content ourselves with writing on the hearts and lives of our fellow man. But wait! This media may even, in a sense, outlast the Scriptures themselves. Were I to deeply engrave on the granite face of a mountain, that would still erode with time. Even were it to last to the end of the world, the end of the world would be the end of that record. The human spirit, on the other hand, is eternal. It will continue on through eternity though heaven and earth pass away. Long after we outgrow the need for the written Word for because" we know fully as we are now are known" (1 Corinthians 13:12), the godly influence we have exerted will yet be felt. There is only one record more permanent that the human mind and heart and that is the mind of eternal and immutable God, Natsar Adam, the “Watcher of Mankind” who tracks our works (Psalm 139:16; Malachi 3:16; Revelation 20:12).
- 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 HCSB You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone, (3) since it is plain that you are Christ's letter, produced by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God; not on stone tablets but on tablets that are hearts of flesh.
My goal is to fill the library of heaven with such books.
Wisdom. We often think of wisdom as a form of common sense; an accumulation of practical skill useful in solving everyday problems. Sometimes, wisdom is considered to be the ability to investigate and resolve tough questions about life issues or about transcendental. In Proverbs (also largely written by Solomon), we see three levels:
1. Knowledge – accumulation of facts
2. Understanding – ability to see the relatedness of those facts
3. Wisdom – the ability to know how and when to apply that understanding
Where those who are stuck “under the sun” believe wisdom to be a skill that solves problems, that is merely understanding. Proverbs teaches us that true wisdom is based on Yahweh Yirah – fear of the Lord. True wisdom comes from God and will only be granted to those who obey Him (Proverbs 2:6-7).
All those who were over Jerusalem before me. One liberal commentator opined that Solomon must have forgotten that Jerusalem had only been under Hebrew rule since his father David. The man is an idiot. Solomon didn’t say “All those Hebrew kings before me”. He said “All those who were over Jerusalem before me”. That would include Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18); Adoni-Zedek (Joshua 10:1) and Abdi-Khepa, who was mentioned in the Egyptian Amarna letters. If (as I believe) Melchizedek founded Jerusalem (Isaiah 14:32; 22:9-11; also 5:1-2) that would mean that Salem, or as it would later become known Jerusalem, was founded no later than c. 2150 BC then by Solomon’s time the city was already more than 1,000 years old. Imagine how many kings ruled over Zion in that amount of time! Kings have a habit of recording their deeds and thoughts. They build libraries and establish archives. Even if they don’t all their bureaucrats that help them manage the kingdom do so. Solomon had access to the accumulated knowledge of a millennia, looked it over, and then promptly at least doubled it. He literally “amassed wisdom” far beyond any king before him.
1:17
(Ecclesiastes 1:17 HCSB) I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind.
Knowledge. Solomon understood the need for knowledge, understanding, discernment, and wisdom. If one cannot gain knowledge then the rest of the chain is imperiled. Yet, if one cannot move beyond mere knowledge, then it is truly a futile effort. The Apostle Paul understood this and proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance (Acts 28:31). Any preaching that does not contain an element of teaching is worthless. The rabbi may possess talent, intelligence, great learning, and oratorical skills, but if he ever forgets that the point is to bring about some spiritual improvement in his congregation, he will one day answer to the Harsh Taskmaster (Luke 19:22).
Knowledge. Solomon understood the need for knowledge, understanding, discernment, and wisdom. If one cannot gain knowledge then the rest of the chain is imperiled. Yet, if one cannot move beyond mere knowledge, then it is truly a futile effort. The Apostle Paul understood this and proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance (Acts 28:31). Any preaching that does not contain an element of teaching is worthless. The rabbi may possess talent, intelligence, great learning, and oratorical skills, but if he ever forgets that the point is to bring about some spiritual improvement in his congregation, he will one day answer to the Harsh Taskmaster (Luke 19:22).
1:18
(Ecclesiastes 1:18 HCSB) For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.
With much wisdom is much sorrow. The obvious point here is that humanistic “wisdom”, attempted wisdom that does not include God in its calculations, always leads to grief and sorrow. For example, in 1793, the National Assembly abolished and outlawed all religion in France and set up the "goddess of reason". All churches and temples were closed, some were destroyed, all religious books and Bibles were burned. This lasted only 3 1/2 years. With almost complete atheism there was so much terrorism and crime that the National Assembly reinstated religious tolerance. Even so, France remains a very immoral country.
However, we may also understand that in some ways ignorance IS bliss. Smart people will know more about the world and may see more of the ways it is messed up. Wise people will understand that the road most people choose ends in dying in their sins. It is terrible knowing these things and not being able to do anything about it. It’s terrible witnessing to or counseling someone, seeing them reject the Word of God and walk off to their own demise. All we can do is make the right choices ourselves, speak the truth when we are asked, and let others make their own decisions. We can’t fix them. We can’t save them. Even God Himself can’t unless they allow Him. If Yahweh can’t, who are we to think that we can with our puny minds and limited understanding. Study to know the Word of God. Learn as much as you can. Just don’t think that you’ll necessarily avoid pain thereby.
With much wisdom is much sorrow. The obvious point here is that humanistic “wisdom”, attempted wisdom that does not include God in its calculations, always leads to grief and sorrow. For example, in 1793, the National Assembly abolished and outlawed all religion in France and set up the "goddess of reason". All churches and temples were closed, some were destroyed, all religious books and Bibles were burned. This lasted only 3 1/2 years. With almost complete atheism there was so much terrorism and crime that the National Assembly reinstated religious tolerance. Even so, France remains a very immoral country.
However, we may also understand that in some ways ignorance IS bliss. Smart people will know more about the world and may see more of the ways it is messed up. Wise people will understand that the road most people choose ends in dying in their sins. It is terrible knowing these things and not being able to do anything about it. It’s terrible witnessing to or counseling someone, seeing them reject the Word of God and walk off to their own demise. All we can do is make the right choices ourselves, speak the truth when we are asked, and let others make their own decisions. We can’t fix them. We can’t save them. Even God Himself can’t unless they allow Him. If Yahweh can’t, who are we to think that we can with our puny minds and limited understanding. Study to know the Word of God. Learn as much as you can. Just don’t think that you’ll necessarily avoid pain thereby.
