Our Purpose, Under the Sun

Background

When interpreting the Bible, you should begin by searching out the intended meaning of the text. This is called biblical exegesis. To search out the intended meaning, it is essential that you begin by discovering the original author and original audience. Looking to Ecclesiastes, we should begin by looking at the title.

Ecclesiastes is the transliteration of the Greek word Ἐκκλησιαστής, which is a translation of the Hebrew word קֹהֶלֶת. The word Ekklesia (Greek: ἐκκλησία) is the word we use in our bibles for church. It means assembly. The word Kohelet (Hebrew: קֹהֶלֶת) is the word we find in verse 1:1 of Ecclesiastes that means “assembler” So, the author of Ecclesiastes was some sort of preacher or speaker to a gathered assembly. More exactly, he is a sort of “assembler” who brings them all together.

If we read more of Ecclesiastes, we see the purpose of the text at the conclusion. [Read Ecc. 12:13] Ecclesiastes was written to the assembly of God’s people that they may fear God and keep his commandments (12:13) This is important because it establishes the tone and relationship the author had with the text. This is not a philosophical thesis that the author is writing in need of criticism or apology. It is a sermon given to persuade and instruct his audience to a certain conclusion. This means that the author doesn’t go at length to justify his beliefs with argument (though he could) and instead he cites his own life examples and personal experience to persuade his audience.

Author

There are many scholastic debates about the authorship of Ecclesiastes. However, Ecclesiastes 1:12 states,

“I, the קֹהֶלֶת assembler/preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.”

And Ecclesiastes 1:1 says,

“The words of the קֹהֶלֶת the son of David, King in Jerusalem.”

There has only ever been two kings in Jerusalem that were also king over all of Israel (David & Solomon), yet the text also clearly calls the speaker the “son of David. This leads me to the conclusion that Solomon is the author. If this is true, it is extremely helpful to us as we study because we know a ton about Solomon as a person. And, since he is making personal appeals to his own lifestyle to convince his original audience, the more we know about Solomon, the more helpful it is for us:

Solomon was Indulgent 1 Kings 11:1-8

He really knew how to have a good time. Solomon threw some of the biggest celebrations in the history of Israel. He had hundreds of women. He had money and power and he was healthy and happy.

Solomon was Wise 1 Kings. 4:29-34; Proverbs

Solomon was extremely educated. We see in 2 Samuel that David sent his sons to serve alongside the priests and study the law of God. Solomon was well-read, wise, and renowned for his knowledge.

Solomon was Hard-Working. 1 Kings. 5 & 6

Solomon was on the grind. He had a disciplined work ethic. He sought to improve his home and his kingdom. He put in the effort and left a legacy for future generations.

Solomon was. Renowned 1 Kings. 10

Solomon was a champion. He loved a challenge, competition, and achievement. He competed with other nations far above his weight class. A true underdog that received glory, fame, and renown.

Solomon was Just 1 Kings. 3:16-26

Solomon was an activist. He was charitable and loved justice. He protected the rights of his people and spent his days doing good and living with integrity.

Recap

ASK - So, getting into the text of Ecclesiastes, what have we seen so far from the book?

“All is vanity under the sun.”

Vanity – הֶבֶל “habel” means a waste of breath

Not the breathing that keeps you alive, but the humph you give when you are irritated with someone or the rambling you wish someone would stop when they won’t get off the phone.

breathing= good habel = bad

Vanity refers to things that are futile, inconsequential, and in the end, they are worthless. “Under the Sun” simply refers to life on earth. There is a distinction in his mind between how things are now, and how they will be in heaven. Solomon so far in the text detailed how his own experiences “under the sun” were all הֶבֶל “habel.”

Solomon knew how to have a good time.

1) Good times are a good thing but, in the end, they are ultimately meaningless. [Ecc. 2:1-11]

Solomon had knowledge and wisdom.

2) Knowledge& wisdom are a good, but in the end, they are ultimately meaningless. [Ecc. 2:12-17]

Solomon worked hard and was disciplined.

3) Hard work & discipline are a good, but in the end, they are ultimately meaningless. [Ecc. 2:18-26]

Solomon loved a challenge and glory.

4) A sense of accomplishment is a good, but in the end, it is ultimately meaningless. [Ecc. 3:9-22]

Solomon was compassionate and just.

5) Charity& social justice are a good, but in the end, they are ultimately meaningless. [Ecc. 4:1-16]

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

“Right Worship is a good thing, and in the end, it is eternally meaningful.”

Ecclesiastes 5:1 [John 3:17-18]

Because right worship is eternally meaningful:

your beliefs about God matter.

[1] Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.

Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 [1 Peter 3:12]

Because right worship is eternally meaningful:

your prayer to God matters.

[2] Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore, let your words be few.

[3] For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 [Hebrews 3:12-14]

Because right worship is eternally meaningful:

your commitment to God matters.

[4] When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.

[5] It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.

[6] Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?

Ecclesiastes 5:7

“For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.”