Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible

The book of Ecclesiastes contains apocryphal verses that emphasize wisdom over religion. Although the book does not offer much in the way of God's exact words, it is relevant nonetheless. Ecclesiastes provides an important look at the wisdom and morals of the Hebrew people-- even without direct prophecy. Despite any arguments to the contrary, Ecclesiastes belongs within the Bible.

It is first necessary to understand the where exactly Ecclesiastes is located. Found within Kethuvium, the third division of the Hebrew Bible, Ecclesiastes is referred to as what is called a wisdom literature. According to Professor Storr, "wisdom literature was typically practical rather than theological in tone, advising proper conduct and behavior, often in very secular terms" (Storr 1). These books are atypical in the sense that they: "differ from prophecy in that it was not based on the claim that its truths came directly from the mouth of God. Rather, its wisdom was the product of intuitive and exalted insights into the world around them and was often delivered in the form of aphorisms" (Storr 2). Ecclesiastes must be read with the knowledge that it is one of these wisdom texts.

Ecclesiastes begins with the narrator exclaiming that everything in life is futile. He identifies himself as Kohleth, the son of David. Most of the book involves his musings to himself, though he does test some of his theories and arrives at some interesting conclusions. In the second chapter, he goes crazy with overindulgence, splurging on everything from fine wine to entertainment. Very shortly after he realizes that is not the way to achieve happiness nor is it any more effective than living a common lifestyle. It also causes him to wonder who will receive the fruits of his labor when he dies. Why toil endlessly for something that you will only have for a matter of time?

Segueing into the theme of time, there is considerable reference to the concept in this book. This is very much the case when Kohleth states:

"A time for seeking and a time for losing,

A time for keeping and a time for discarding;

A time for ripping and a time for sewing,

A time for silence and a time for speaking;

A time for loving and a time for hating;

A time for war and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:6-8). Time is continually referenced throughout the book. It is worth noting that these early peoples have a distinct concept of the passing of time, life and death, and past and future.

Another overall theme in Ecclesiastes is the emphasis on wisdom. Kohleth claims: "For I have set my mind to learn wisdom and to observe the business that goes on in the world-- even to the extent of going without sleep day and night-- and I have observed all that God brings to pass" (Ecclesiastes 18:16-17). He goes on to say that "Wisdom is more valuable than weapons of war, but a single error destroys much of value" (Ecclesiastes 9:18). By demonstreferenenecsrating a knowledge of the fact that nothing lasts forever, there is a time for everything, and things are not always what they seem, Kohleth represents a sort of deeper wisdom which all should aspire to reach.

Perhaps most notable about this book is some of the various quotes given to readers by Kohleth. He constantly references God, so the text is far from secular. In fact, in his final passage he admonishes: "Revere God and observe his commandments! For this applies to all mankind: that God will call every known creature to account for anything unknown, be it good or bad" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Among other pieces of solid advice he gives are "appreciate your vigor in the days of your youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1), " A man cannot know what will happen; who can tell him what the future will hold?" (Ecclesiastes 10:14), "The actions of the righteous and wise are determined by God" (Ecclesiastes 9:1), "A good name is better than fragrant oil" (Ecclesiastes 7:1), and "Whatever God has brought to pass will occur evermore" (Ecclesiastes 3:14). All of these are very intelligent statements that are in accordance with the Hebrew lifestyle.

None of Ecclesiastes comes from the mouth of God; instead, it is all told from the viewpoint of the son of David. This perspective does not detract from the book in any way. Rather, it enhances it by offering a departure from what is normally seen in the Bible. There are some very valuable quotations found within Ecclesiastes and much of the content is thought-provoking. Modern readers are able to witness a firsthand account of the values of an accient people, and for all of these reasons, Ecclesiastes very much belongs in the Hebrew Bible.

WORKS CITED:

"Ecclesiastes." JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh. Jewish Publication Society: Philadelphia, PA. 2000.

"Readings from Kethuvium." Robert Storr. Insturctor's Notes from UNIV3580, Hebrew & Greek Lecagy.
Regents Online Degree Program. 2008

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