Biblical Theology XVII: Ecclesiastes

The Book of Ecclesiastes is a genre of literature called “dispute literature.” Dispute literature, like the Book of Job, sets up an internal argument that looks at different sides of the truth in order to come to a balanced conclusion about a subject, usually about life itself. Hence, the individual statements in the book should not be taken as absolute on their own, but rather as propositions that are true in a way, but also have other truths that clarify the limitations of that thinking. The “dispute” is usually between two or more people, but here, it is in the voice of one person pondering various truths. Hence, it is a monologue that speaks through the voice of Qoheleth, which may mean “one who proclaims to the assembly,” or "preacher," as it is often translated. Rabbis, early on, identified Qoheleth as Solomon, although no mention of Solomon exists in the book. If it does use Solomon’s life/voice to communicate the message, it would likely be due to his pursuits of everything to the fullest, yet coming up short in the end. It is highly probable that the speaker is not literally Solomon, since the language used is that of someone who knows Aramaic more than Hebrew.

Theology: The book argues that there is a truth and goodness to temporary pleasures in a sense, as they provide temporary relief and comfort from life’s hardships, but to pursue them as the ultimate priority is worthless, as death comes for all. In this regard, everything is meaningless, and there is no purpose to life when all of these things are pursued for their value in this life alone. There is no benefit to be even righteous or evil if the focus is purely on this life. In this regard, Qoheleth is arguing against any attempt to make the things of this life, or this life itself, valuable and worthwhile in and of itself apart from a consideration of God. The author seeks to say that the primary duty of man is to recognize God’s authority and keep His commandments whether the follower of God understands and can see the importance of this in his or her daily life or not. In other words, although everything may look futile from the human perspective, man has the duty to submit to God’s authority and always have the judgment to come in view.

Ethics: Hence, the supreme virtue is to recognize that all pursuits will be judged by God in the end, and therefore, they should all be evaluated in terms of whether they glorify God first. The “sense” that people have that nothing really matters in the end is negated by the idea that something very much matters than everything in the present, and that is to recognize God’s position as the only One who rightly judges all life and any, and every, decision a person makes, and the future judgment to come. The duty of man, therefore, is not to act upon what he views as a futile life from his own perspective, but to see all things from the judgment seat of God. Hence, it is the reverse sentiment of the modern misinterpretation of Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero "seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future." Ironically, the original sentiment of Carpe diem was compatible with the message Ecclesiastes because it meant that one should do all he can now in light of the uncertainty of the future. Hence, Qoheleth warns, “Rejoice, Young Person, while you are young; and let your thoughts cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the impulses of your heart and whatever is desirable to you, but know that God will judge your motives and actions alike. Banish vexation from your mind. Put away evil from your flesh because youth and prime of life are fleeting. So remember your Creator in the days of your youth before the days of evil come” (11:9–12:1). 

However, even this still has its setting in the temporary life. Ecclesiastes posits that since no satisfaction in this temporary life is of lasting value, all men should pursue God and His commandments instead. This is because the future life is of greater value, and the judgment of God is the gateway to that life. He ends, therefore, with the conclusion: “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will judge everything done, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13–14).