Meditating on Ecclesiastes: The Introduction

Qohelet is the Hebrew name for the Old Testament book we know as Ecclesiastes. This title comes from the designation of the one who presents the message in the book and is translated as “Preacher” in the KJV. Possibly, the most familiar part of the book is its ending—the “conclusion of the whole matter” which is to fear God and keep His commandments; but what about the rest of the book? Ecclesiastes is actually an argument made by King Solomon (who is not specifically named, but fits as the most likely author – Ecclesiastes 1:1). Solomon is a philosopher in this book trying to find the meaning of life. His life becomes a sort of an experiment. As he puts various areas of his life to the test, he makes discoveries and presents his results (Ecc. 1:13 ; Ecclesiastes 12:9-11). Solomon, through his wise observations, shows us how to have real meaning in life.

Solomon the Preacher/Philosopher begins this argument with a premise and a problem. His premise serves as bookends at the beginning and end of Ecclesiastes. This premise is stated as, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (1:2; 12:8). “Vanity” has the idea of that which is like vapor, that which does not bring value, or which is impossible. Throughout the book, “vanity” is often tied with the phrase “vexation of spirit” (KJV) or “striving after the wind” (ASV). In other words, it’s like trying to catch the wind; there are some things that simply cannot be done.

The problem Solomon has is “What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun?” (1:3; see also 2:11; 3:9; 5:16; 7:11). This tells us what the book is about. Solomon observes, in poetic form (1:4-11), that man’s life, in comparison with the seemingly unending continuance of the world, appears to be much too temporary and therefore pointless. It is a “sore travail” he says that God has given to man (Ecc. 1:13). But why would God give such a thing to mankind? How can one find real meaning in life? Is it in fame? Is it in fortune? Or is it in something else? Solomon’s experimental quest as presented in the Book of Ecclesiastes helps us answer this problematic question. He has four presentations in the book as he develops his conclusions.

Here are a few crossword puzzles that are a fun way to become more familiar with the text of Ecclesiastes. Each one is based on a chapter in the book. While becoming familiar with the text, it is also crucial to bear in mind its context. Future articles will further examine the four arguments Solomon brings forth. Before attempting these puzzles, it is recommended that you read through the text several times. The answers come from the KJV. Enjoy!

Here is an interactive version of chapter 1 ecclesiastes-chapter-1. Just click on the section of the puzzle you want to work on, read the question and write the answer in the blank. When you’re ready to insert the answer in the puzzle, just click OK. Or, if you prefer, you can download and print out a copy of chapter 1 ecc-chap-1.

Here is an interactive version of chapter 2 ecclesiastes_chapter_2. Just click on the section of the puzzle you want to work on, read the question and write the answer in the blank. When you’re ready to insert the answer in the puzzle, just click OK. Or, if you prefer, you can download and print out a copy of chapter 2 ecc_chap_2.

Here is an interactive version of chapter 3 ecclesiastes_chap_3. Just click on the section of the puzzle you want to work on, read the question and write the answer in the blank. When you’re ready to insert the answer in the puzzle, just click OK. Or, if you prefer, you can download and print out a copy of chapter 3 ecc_ch_3.

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Filed under: Devotional, Michael Carter on September 4th, 2008