Ecclesiastes Chapter 1-11

Michael Eaton, who is an English play write and a scriptwriter said “Life in this world does not fundamentally change, and we do not need a date for Ecclesiastes in order to receive its message. It is part of the genius of the preachers thought that it stands on its own feet at any time and in any place.” This quote is very vital to the purpose behind Ecclesiastes. Over time humanity does not change, but lives do. There is nothing promised in life but death. The overview of this paper is how the text of Ecclesiastes chapter 1:11 connects and demonstrates the Illumination found in the St. Johns Bible. The paper will overview different sections such as the historical and cultural influence Ecclesiastes has on the modern world today. The next
Thesis: The text from Ecclesiastes will be illustrated from words into an artistic format within the SJB, and will connect smaller details from the text into the Illumination and show the reader how the text fits the illumination or it does not. Historical/Cultural Influence: Tremper Longman III, the author of the book of Ecclesiastes said “The book of Ecclesiastes is divided up into three parts. It begins with a short prologue, introducing some of the themes of Qoheleths thoughts (1: 1-11) continues with a long monologue by Qoheleth (1: 12-12:7) and then concludes with a brief epilogue (12: 8-14). When it comes to the reading of Ecclesiastes there are many important factors to consider. Even down to the details of the words that the author chose. For instance, the author uses the word toil throughout the text which means work. The author also uses the phrase “All are vanities” and in the Hebrew language vanities translates into “vapor.” The word Hebel derives from a root that connotes a breath or vapor, but it means injustice. (Tamez). “The word Hebel occurs thirty eight times in Ecclesiastes.” (Tamez). In Ecclesiastes it shows two nuances: temporal and existential. (qtd. In Schuler) it is also important to consider that
Ecclesiastes is the introduction and sets up the storyline for the remainder of the book. James Crenshaw, the author of Ecclesiastes said: “The book opens with a motto and a thematic statement that brands reality as utterly absurd, transitory, and futile.” (). “The bulk of the book is Qoheleths speech that is made up of primary of autobiographical reflections on the meaning of life.” (Longman III 21) Many people believed that Solomon was the author of Ecclesiastes because the line “The words of the teacher, a son of David, King in Jerusalem.” “The wisdom of Ecclesiastes comes from one who is identified as Qoheleth.” “It is not certain whether this is a personal name or some sort of Pseudonym.” (H&W 457). “Qoheleth recounts his search for meaning in life ‘under the sun’ adopting the literary persona of Solomon. But then the persona is dropped as the meaning of life continues.” (Longman III 22). “The word Qoheleth translates into “convener, or assembler.” (H&W 457). “The result is that even if Qoheleth were Solomon, the author may have lived at a later time. “The frustration Qoheleth experiences in his negative judgment: work, the political and economic situation, inter human relations.” (Tamez). Some have dated the book in the third or fourth century B.C. The beginning of Ecclesiastes is very pessimistic and makes the readers feel uncomfortable