Some of the Symbolism in Scripture oil= incense= heart= thigh= water= Holy Spirit; unity among God s people heart fully yielded to God love, devotion, commitment strength, power regeneration domestic normal food animals= the normal body of knowledge, God s word the sea= human society heavens= realm of God s Spirit cedar tree= (acme of beauty) the glory of God hyssop= lowliness of humanity scarlet yarn= Christ s kingliness house= assembly of God s people linen garment= inner righteousness of Jesus; holiness High Priest= Christ Tabernacle or tent of meeting= our humanity; God s chosen dwelling place Holy of holies-altar= inner sanctuary of the human spirit light= knowledge and truth gold= deity fine flour= frankincense= redeemed humanity; (no lumps or coarseness the fragrance that comes out of suffering; the obedient heart Israel= Egypt= sacrifice= Holy Spirit at work within us; new redeemed life the world; old life symbol of repentance and obedience
Introduction to Ecclesiastes Background: Author: Emptiness, futility, disappointment and disillusionment is often the life-experience of many. So many are searching for what will feed the hunger of our lives for satisfaction. Is there a key to finding delight and joy in life that we are all longing for? The wisest man in history grappled with that same question and set out on an exhaustive investigation of the value and profit of various lifestyles. The book of Ecclesiastes chronicles his findings and conclusion. Solomon (or some commentators suggest a subject or admirer rather than a monarch; one who wrote up the lessons of Solomon s life.) To whom written: To King Solomon s subjects and all people in general. Date: Setting: Key Verse: Around 935 BC (late in Solomon s life) (or a later period.) Solomon was looking back on his life, much of which was lived apart from God. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 12:13 Outline I. Solomon s personal experience (Ch. 1-2) II. Solomon s general observations (Ch. 3-5) III. Solomon s practical counsel (Ch. 6-8) IV. Solomon s final conclusion (Ch. 9-12) Nature of the book: Purpose: Theme: Ecclesiastes can best be understood as the book of the natural man - his reasoning and actions apart from the Spirit of God and divine revelation. This is the meaning of the term under the sun used repeatedly in the book. The writer of the book is confined to natural revelation and human reasoning apart from God. To demonstrate to the natural man the complete emptiness of that which is under the sun apart from that which is above the sun, that is God s revelation and salvation. The supreme emptiness of godless living.
The book of Ecclesiastes has been placed in the English order among the wisdom literature after the book of Proverbs. Solomon was the most famous and most powerful king in all the world. In his day he was noted for his wisdom, riches and literary attainments. But the predominant strain in Ecclesiastes is of unutterable melancholy. By contrast Solomon s father David lived a life of long hard struggle to build a kingdom. Yet his writings in the book of Psalms are filled with rejoicing, shouting for joy and singing praises to God. Solomon, sitting in peaceful security on the throne David had built, lived in almost fabled luxury. He was the one man in all the world whom men would have called happy yet his unceasing refrain was All is vanity. This book, a product of Solomon s old age, leaves one with the distinct impression that Solomon was not a happy man. What a lesson this has for us in our contemporary affluent society. In reading Ecclesiastes one feels that in the inmost depth of his nature man has a longing for things eternal. Since Solomon lived 1,000 years before Christ he did not have the same feeling of the sureness of eternity that Christ later gave the world. He lived at a time before God had revealed very much about these eternal things. However, the longing and feelings are very evident in the pages of this book and in a way it reveals humanity s cry for a Savior. With the coming of Christ this cry was answered. Vanity of life disappears as the believer s life is filled with an abundance of joy, peace and gladness, key words of the New Testament. 1
Chapter 1 Read vv. 1-7 1. Which verse would you select as the theme of this book? 2. How does Mark 8:36 expand on this theme? 3. In order to understand where Solomon was coming from look up the following verses and summarize his life and kingdom, his blessings, his commissions, successes, failures, mistakes and sins. I Kings 2:1-4 I Chron. 28:8-21 I Kings 3:1-15 II Chron. 1:7-12 I Kings 4:21-34 I Kings 6 II Chron. 2:1-18 II Chron. 6 I Kings 7:1-12 I Kings 9:1-9 II Chron. 7:17-22 II Chron. 8:1-18 2
I Kings 10:1-10 I Chron. 9:1-9 I Kings 10:14-29 II Chron. 1:13-17 and 9:13-31 I Kings 11:1-13 I Kings 11:14-43 4. A. In spite of his good beginning and all God s blessing what was responsible for Solomon s failure? B. In reviewing Solomon s life where do you think he first began to go astray? 5. Summarize the commands of God that Solomon ignored. Deut. 17:16 Deut. 17:17 Deut. 17:20 Deut. 7:3-6 Joshua 23:12 6. The phrase in Ecclesiastes under the sun is used often. What do you understand that to mean? 7. What does Solomon mean when he says everything is meaningless? 3
8. What pursuits in your life have turned out to be less than satisfying? Read vv. 8-11 9. With all of Solomon s success, his wisdom, his wealth, his accomplishments in his building program, why do you think he said all things are wearisome? 10. A. As you take a long hard look at your own life as Solomon did are you satisfied with your purpose and direction? B. If not, what changes do you think God is encouraging you to make? 11. Which verse describes the restlessness and dissatisfaction built into our fallen human nature? 12. Which verse indicates the reason why we don t learn from the past? Read vv. 12-18 13. What picture does Chasing after the wind bring to mind? 14. What kind of wisdom do you think Solomon is speaking of? 15. Why would that wisdom lead to sorrow and grief? 16. In reviewing this whole chapter what words would you use to describe Solomon s attitude and state of mind? 17. What is the solution for one with such an attitude? 18. What thoughts or observations came to your mind as you read about Solomon s life and pondered his thoughts in this first chapter? 4
Chapter 2 Read vv. 1-11 1. What were some of the things both worthy and unworthy that Solomon pursued to find meaning in life? 2. Did any of these things meet his needs? Give verse. 3. What do you think Solomon was really searching for? 4. What parallels of this do you see in contemporary society? Give specific examples that come to mind. 5. What is it that you are seeking in life? 6. A. What is it that makes the difference between work that is meaningless or work that is fulfilling? (Give example if possible.) B. Read Psalm 127 written by Solomon. What valuable insight does it offer on this subject? Read vv. 12-16 7. What conclusion is drawn from the comparison of wisdom and folly? 8. Explain what the phrase the wise man has eyes in his head means. 9. What fate does Solomon speak of in verse 14? 10. How does Psalm 49:10 express the same thought? 11. What intellectual pursuits have occupied your time and how satisfying were they? 5
Read vv. 17-26 12. Trace the steps to depression that Solomon experiences between verses 17 and 20. 13. Can you think of examples of people in our recent history who started out with riches and fame and ended their lives in despair? 14. A. To whom did Solomon leave all his kingdom and wealth? Read 1 Kings 11:43, 1 Kings 12:1-20 and 1 Kings 14:21-31. B. Give your assessment of Rehoboam s life. C. Which verses give a clue that Solomon may have had a premonition of what his son s rule would be like? 15. Why do you think Solomon derived no joy or satisfaction from his work? What verse gives a clue? 16. Since God intended for mankind to work, what is it that makes work meaningful and satisfying? 17. What work in your life have you found satisfying? 6
18. What gem of wisdom which is the true message of this book is tucked into these verses? 19. God wants us to have joy in life. How is this expressed in the following verses? 1 Timothy 6:17 Romans 8:28 Note: In regard to verse 26b it s interesting to note that many Christian gatherings and conferences are held in the expensive homes of millionaires who were not Christians. One example is Glen Eyrie, the headquarters of Navigators outside Colorado Springs. It was originally built by Gen. William Palmer founder of Colorado Springs and the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. He built an English style stone castle for his British bride who never lived in it more than a few weeks and he himself never enjoyed the property at all. It was empty for years and eventually ended up in the hands of the Navigators who are using it as a Christian Conference grounds and world headquarters for their training movement. Another such example is an estate called Menucha in Oregon. This beautiful home on the Colombia River was built by a Jewish business man with little interest in spiritual things. It now is in the hands of the Alliance Churches of Oregon. These stories can be duplicated many times. It is remarkable that God so planned life that these multimillionaires in their pursuit of pleasure spent lavishly on their homes in order that their estates might at last be given into the hands of those who please God. From Solomon s Secret by Ray Stedman 7
Chapter 3 Read vv. 1-8 1. When it says There is a time for everything what does that actually mean? 2. Since negatives as well as positives are listed, what possible purpose can they serve? 3. What results in the lives of people who are protected from everything and given everything they desire? 4. When could possibly be the appropriate time to kill (:3) or to hate (:8) 5. Timing is important in all of life s experiences. Can you think of examples when waiting for God s time is difficult? Read vv. 9-15 6. How can the pain of death, disaster or enemies in our life be beautiful? 7. Explain what He has also set eternity in the hearts of men means. 8. When in your life have you experienced this restlessness or spiritual hunger? 8
9. What is our ultimate purpose in life? Verse? 10. What is God s desire for us and gift to us? Give verse. Read vv. 16-22 11. What was Solomon s observation of the legal system in his day and compare it to our system of justice? 12. If God has a plan for our lives and He is a God of justice how do we explain this injustice? Give verse. 13. In what ways can mankind be like animals? 14. Why would God allow the world to go on and on in its sinful way? 15. At this point Solomon s view of life is somewhat cynical. What is your assessment of life? 9
Chapter 4 Note: Chapter 3:16 begins a section which runs through Chapter 5, in which a series of objections to Solomon s thesis are examined. It s as if someone says, Wait a minute. You say God has a wonderful plan for my life but what about this injustice? (Or the beastly quality in man etc.) One by one Solomon considers the circumstances that seem to challenge his thesis. Read vv. 1-6 1. What condition does the Searcher question in the first 3 verses? 2. A. Who does oppression invariably prey on? B. Where is this evident in our society today? 3. What is the next objection the Searcher raises? 4. What opposite extreme to the ambitious person is spoken of? 5. Do either the achievement or the idleness bring the desired result? Read vv. 7-12 6. What conditions are questioned in these verses? 7. What foolish things do some people who are alone do? 10
8. The Searcher lists some advantages to companionship. What are they? Explain in your own words. :9 :10 :11 :12 9. When have you experienced the advantage of companionship? Is it worth seeking out? 10. Who or what is the third cord that makes companionship meaningful? Read vv. 13-16 11. Does living a long life guarantee that one will learn the secret of enjoyment? Explain your thoughts on this. 12. What is one of the pitfalls of advanced age according to these verses? 13. Advancement is not always meaningless. Can you think of an Old Testament person whose advancement was a great blessing both to him/her and others? 14. What makes the difference between meaningless and meaningful advancement? 11
Chapter 5 Read vv. 1-7 1. What do you understand to be the meaning of Guard your steps when you go into the house of God? 2. A. What does God have to say about promises to Him? B. What does Matt. 5:33 teach on the subject? 3. What hasty promise have you ever made to God? Did you keep it? Can you think of examples where one might have the tendency to make such a promise? 4. What does standing in awe of God include? Look up awe in the dictionary. 5. How does Prov. 1:22-26 describe a fool? 6. When in our culture do people often use the excuse, My vow was a mistake? Read vv. 8-17 7. How does the Searcher view oppression? 12
8. What s the message for us in verse 10? 9. What are other disadvantages of great wealth? Give verse. 10. Can you think of a way in which wealth can bring you satisfaction? 11. Which verse helps us to keep wealth in perspective? Read vv. 18-20 12. What repeated theme does the Searcher close the chapter with? 13. What brings true satisfaction and joy to you? 13
Chapter 6 Read vv. 1-6 1. What is the first statement the writer makes about material wealth? Give verse. 2. Can you think of any examples of this? 3. What frustation concerning wealth is expressed? 4. Compare 6:2 with 5:19. Explain what you see as the meaning of these verses. 5. Why would God choose to withhold enjoyment for gifts He has allowed us to have? (See Ch. 2:25-26) 6. What observations does the writer make about long life and family? 7. What is the conclusion concerning both the wealthy man who lives life without enjoyment and the stillborn baby? Read vv. 7-12 8. What observation on human nature is spoken of in verse 7? 9. When have you achieved something that you desired only to find that you wanted something else? 14
10. A. What do you think is meant by a roving appetite? (v. 9) B. What would a much better mind set be? 11. What unalterable decree is man up against? 12. What human thinking does this contradict? 13. A. Verse 10 says what man is has been known. By whom is man known? B. What relevance does this have to our satisfaction and contentment in life? C. What does Luke 12:15 tell us doesn t accomplish this joy and satisfaction? D. What does John 15:9-11 tell us does accomplish this joy? 14. What indisputable fact remains in our relationship with God? Give verse. 15. How would you answer the first question in verse 12? 16. In your opinion are most people comfortable with the idea that what happens in their lives and in their future is in God s hands? Explain. 15
Chapter 7-8:1 Read vv. 1-14 1. What advantage can mourning and sorrow have over feasting and laughter? 2. Can you think of an example where grief and adversity have led someone to gladness and wisdom? 3. A. What phrase could explain what the writer means by the song of fools? (:5) B. How is a wise man s rebuke much more helpful? (See Prov. 9:7-9) 4. To learn patience is one of the great lessons adversity can teach us. What are the disadvantages of a short temper? 5. What wisdom does Proverbs offer on this subject? Prov. 14:16 Prov. 14:17 Prov. 14:29 6. What opposite action did we learn about in 1 Cor. 13:4-5? 7. A. How is wisdom a shelter? B. What is the biblical definition of wisdom and how does one acquire it according to Prov. 2:1-10; Ps. 111:10 and Prov. 9:10? 16
8. What things might fall into the category of what He has made crooked? 9. A. What conclusion does the writer suggest concerning adversity? B. In what way has a difficult circumstance benefited you spiritually? Note: God has designed life to be full of the unexpected (:14b) so we might realize that we do not control our future. The great Satanic lie is that we can control, we can plan, we can direct and we are in charge. But the lesson of Scripture is that it is not true. God is in charge and what he sends is always designed to benefit. Even though adversity may have painful aspects, it comes from a loving God and we can be grateful for it. Read vv. 15-8:1 10. How can a person be too righteous? 11. What might the term overwise refer to? 12. What is the writer s conclusion concerning life and death for the righteous and wicked? 13. What sound advice is suggested? Give verse. 14. What truth does Solomon set forth in vv. 20-22? 17
15. How does Paul state this in Romans 3? Give verses. 16. What did Solomon, noted as the wisest man who ever lived, conclude about wisdom? Give verse. 17. Reflecting on Solomon s personal life, do these verses indicate that he found true sexual satisfaction? (Remember he had 700 wives and 300 concubines) 18. What is the way to avoid this snare? 19. A. What strange observation did he make in verses 27 & 28? B. What do you think he meant by that? 20. A. Since finding an upright person is impossible, where does the problem lie? Give verse. B. When have you chosen your own way, and found it lacking in satisfaction? 21. What is the greatest by-product of wisdom and have you observed this in anyone? 18
Chapter 8 Read vv. 1-8, & Romans 13:1-7 1. Substituting government for the kings command, what power is proper for government to wield? Give verses. 2. A. Who has control over life and death? B. Why do you think that statement is included with the last half of the verse? 3. What does the phrase no one is discharged in time of war (:8) mean to you? 4. What reason is given in Romans 13 for obedience to government? 5. What proper power of government does Paul emphasize? 6. What exception exists in our responsibility to obey government? 7. How does your government benefit you? Read vv. 9-14 8. Which verse indicates that government is not always right? 9. What accounts for evil in government? 19
10. What accurate observation on human life is found here? Give verse. 11. Read Psalm 73 and explain in your own words the thoughts expressed in verses 12-14. 12. In what situation have you seen injustice prevail? Read vv. 15-17 13. A. Do you think :15 means Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die ; a philosophy that says, Live it up!? B. What do you think the writer means in the verse? C. Explain in your own words Paul s explanation of experiencing joy and contentment in life. See Philippians 4:11-13. 14. What conclusion did Solomon, the wisest man of the ancient world, come to about wisdom? 15. A. How does Paul describe this in Romans 11:33-34? B. What feeling does this knowledge give you? 16. As you observe life on earth, what question would you like answered? 20
Chapter 9 Note: From this point to the end of the book the author does not introduce anything new. He simply repeats and enlarges on the claims made earlier that the significance of life is found only in daily contact with a living God. Read vv. 1-6 1. Can we ever anticipate God s sovereign plans? See Is. 55:8-9. 2. This rather gloomy passage on death can make some people uneasy. What is it about death, funerals and talk of the end of life that makes people uncomfortable? 3. Which phrase gives the reason for death? See also Romans 5:12. 4. From what perspective are the words in verses 5 and 6 written? Read vv. 7-12 5. A. Compare :7-8. What does being clothed in white symbolize? See Rev. 3:4-5. B. What is oil a symbol for? C. Who is it that God favors, who can find joy and meaning in life? D. In what way does this affect the people of the Old Testament who lived before Christ? E. What Old Testament Patriarch that we studied about in Genesis was covered by this gift? 21
6. How does God intend for us to live our lives? Give verse. 7. God has given us our life for a purpose. What do you see as your purpose in life? 8. What does the writer say in verses 11-12 concerning our natural gifts and the control of our lives? Read vv. 13-18 9. Is popular rejection a reliable gauge of the effectiveness of a particular action? (Explain) 10. Ecclesiastes speaks much about the wise and the foolish. Define what this wisdom is that is spoken of here. (See Rom. 12:2 and Prov. 3:5-6, 9:10). 11. By contrast what is the biblical meaning of a fool? (See Prov. 1:7, 13:19 and Rom.1:21-25) 12. What do verses 17 and 18 say to you? 13. What warning is included in verse 18 and what do you think it means? 14. What wise counsel in your life has been beneficial because you were receptive? 22
Chapter 10 Read vv. 1-7 1. Re-read chapter 9:17-18 as an introduction to this chapter. What advice and what warning are included here? 2. What advantage comes to one whose heart is inclined toward seeking wisdom? 3. A. How could verse 4 apply also to employer/employee relationships or family relationships? B. What sound advice does Prov. 15:1 give in such situations? C. When has your calmness diffused anger? 4. What error do those in authority sometimes make and what describes this? Read vv. 8-15 5. Verses 8 to 11 give us some insight that wisdom leads us to. Describe a situation that illustrates the principle in verse 8. 23
6. What might a dull ax symbolize (:10) and what solution is suggested? 7. In what way has thoughtful planning or improved skills brought you success? 8. What is the problem in the situation in verse 11? Note: Verses 12-15 seem to describe the folly of the secular wisdom we find around us. Buying into this wisdom will cause us to end up hurting ourselves. The increasing misery and anguish of life that we see around us is due to a deliberate turning away from the wisdom of the mind of God. (Examples: high divorce rate, immorality, substance abuse etc. which brings with it such hurting, broken, lonely and empty lives. Read vv. 16-20 Note: Verses 16 and 17 describe not only monarchies in Solomon s day but also incompetent governments or administrations in our day. 9. What weakness might the phrase princes who feast in the morning (:16) imply? 10. By contrast what kind of leadership causes a nation to prosper? Give verse. 11. How can money rightly used be an answer to everything? 12. Substituting government for king in verse 20, what counsel is given and what do you see as the advantage in that? 13. How does constant reviling of a government damage a nation? Give examples if you can. 14. How supportive are you of your government? 24
Chapter 11 Read vv. 1-6 1. These verses speak of openhanded generosity. What do you think cast your bread upon the waters means? 2. What is the advantage of this? Give verse. Note: Give portions to seven, yes to eight is a Hebrew idiom meaning give to as many as you can and then some. Biblical symbolism: 7 = perfection, completeness 8 = 4 doubled, the world, the earth water = life, living 3. A. In the context of verses 1 and 2, explain verse 3. B. How does Jesus teach this principle in Matt. 10:8? Note: In verse 3b, which is more difficult to interpret, we might liken it to the motto Bloom where you are planted. It is God who controls the fall of a tree in the forest, but where it falls is where it is to be. 4. What is it that we humans can t comprehend? 5. Summarize the message on giving in these verses. 6. What opportunity for generosity has given you joy? Read vv. 7-10 7. A. What do you think living life in light and sun indicate? B. What counsel does Jesus brother give on the way to live our few years on earth? (See Jude 20-21) 25
C. What is the result of such living? 8. What might the days of darkness refer to? 9. Why is it important for us to remember or think about these days now? See also Ps. 90:12. 10. God wants us to enjoy life, but where do we often mistakenly seek our joy? (See Luke 12:15) 11. Youth is a gift to enjoy, a time to plan, to try new things and to explore new opportunities. What warning is given to youth in these verses? 12. Have choices made in your youth added to or detracted from your joy in life now? 13. Instead of possessions and the joy of youth what focus will give true joy and satisfaction according to Ch. 12:1? 26
Chapter 12 Read vv. 1-8 1. What wisdom do you see in the quote from George Bernard Shaw Youth is such a wonderful thing it is a shame to waste it on young people? 2. What is it that a young person ought to do? 3. Why the emphasis on the young doing this? 4. What or who impacted you in your youth that set you on the right path? 5. Is the appeal Remember your Creator simply saying remember Him? If not what is implied in those words? 6. What example in Jesus youth illustrates this principle? 7. What do verses 3-5 describe in very poetic language? Give a few thoughts that are meaningful to you. 8. What do you think the author is describing in verse 6 and what is he suggesting? 9. What facts does verse 7 tell us about death? 27
Read vv. 9-14 10. What does verse 9 tell you about how this book was compiled? 11. When the teacher s words are described as wise, what does that tell you about the source of his knowledge? 12. How is this a great verse for teachers and preachers? 13. In what way are the words of Scripture like a goad? 14. What words of Scripture acted like a goad or anchor and prodded you to make changes or led you into a closer walk with God? 15. What phrase indicates why the Bible more than any other book has this unique power? 16. What warning is given? Explain the meaning. Note: In verse 13 the word duty is not in the original Hebrew. A more accurate translation would be Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the wholeness of man. In other words the secret of wholeness is to Fear God and keep His Commandments. 17. What then is Solomon s final solution for those who lack purpose and direction in life and for those who are disillusioned and think life is unfair and who s lives are meaningless? 28
18. What does it mean to fear God? 19. What underlying fact is indisputable? 20. Summarize in your own words the message that Solomon conveys in this book of Ecclesiastes. 21. Do you think that throughout his life Solomon heeded this advice? Explain. 22. What about the end of his life. What change in him do you see? 23. Why do you think he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes? 29