Test 5 Flashcards
What does Qohelet mean?
Preacher
What is the traditional view for the identity of Qohelet, and what are arguments to substantiate that view?
Qohelet = Solomon
Arguments for Solomonic Authorship
Son of David, King in Jerusalem, King over Israel (1:1, 12)
Resources of Solomon make sense of 1:12-2:26
Predominant early Jewish and Christian view
What are arguments against that view, and how did I respond to them?
Arguments against Solomonic Authorship
* Grammar and vocabulary reflect later Hebrew
o This argument has been undermined by recent research
* Solomon never mentioned by name
o Contrast Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; Canticles 1:1
What are the two views of the narrator’s relationship to Qohelet, and which did I adopt in class?
- Relationship of the narrator to Qohelet
o Disagrees – a critical appraisal of Qohelet’s words
o Agrees – a positive approval of Qohelet’s words
I believe the latter approach is correct
All of Ecclesiastes is inspired and authoritative, reflecting God’s viewpoint of the subjects discussed
Why is it that “fear God and keep His commandments” is not as obvious as it first sounds?
- In short,
o “Fear God and keep His commandments” seems extremely obvious. - Unless …
o One knows how incredibly paradoxical, mysterious, and frustrating the world is - Ecclesiastes calls for profound faith in God
What does Ecclesiastes mean and what is the Hebrew word it translates?
- Ecclesiastes is Greek for Qohelet, preacher
What is the theme of Ecclesiastes?
- “Everything is vanity”
What does the word hebel mean?
- Literally, “breath” or “vapor”
- Metaphorically,
“Transitory (temporal)
“Worthless, empty,
“Incomprehensible, absurd” (Finkbeiner, 6)
What does vanity of vanities mean?
- Vanity of vanities – superlative form (1:2;12:8) – completely hebel
What is the point of describing everything “under the sun” as hebel?
Nothing here—whether natural or manmade—will satisfy our longings
Why does Qohelet appeal to nature and history at the beginning of the book?
- Our efforts make no lasting change to our environment
- Human history makes the same point
What is the purpose of Solomon’s investigation in 1:12 – 2:26?
1:12-13a – The Search for Meaning
* Solomon now speaks in the first person
* He speaks of an investigation to try to find meaning and escape the emptiness of life
o Is everything “done under heaven” really futile?
o Solomon was uniquely qualified to answer this question empirically
What does a vexation of spirit mean?
- Everything man does “under the sun” is a chasing after the wind (vexation of spirit)
- This speaks of
o Frustration – you can’t catch the wind
o Futility – what would you do with it if you did?
Where does Qohelet seek for meaning (what are his three major pursuits)?
- Royal Accomplishments
- Pleasure
- Wisdom
Why is it important to realize that his search is being conducted “under the sun”?
The sun lights up everything down here. Under the sun is a formula that distinguishes heavenly from temporal. Everything above the sun is Heavenly.
* Qohelet makes two points that balance the truth that man has eternal longings that cannot be satisfied under the sun
o God has given man the gift of finding a measure of satisfaction even in this life (3:12-13)
o God has made this world mysterious so that man will see the difference between himself and God and will fear God (3:14-15)
What is it that makes wisdom and folly essentially equal (under the sun)?
- Wisdom is better than folly (2:13-14a)
o At least the wise man can see what he is getting into - But death is the great equalizer (2:14b-16)
o Both the wise man and the fool will die
o The achievements of both are forgotten
o Even though wisdom is better, why bother?
Even wisdom is a chasing after wind (2:17)
What is the role of 2:24-26 in the book?
- Some view verse 24a as a cynical invitation to unrestrained living in light of the futility of life under the sun
- This does not fit well with 24b-26, however.
- Instead, this section is Solomon’s anticipation of the conclusion of the argument.
What are supplied in chapters 3-6?
Illustrations
What is the point of the rhythms of life in 3:1-8?
- The wise man recognizes that every event under the sun has its proper time.
What five points of assessment does Qohelet give the reader concerning the rhythms of life?
- First, these activities cannot of themselves profit (3:9) – they are a chasing of the wind.
- Second, God has assigned man these activities (3:10) – one cannot escape them.
- Third, God has perfectly designed all of them and made them beautiful (3:11a) – man’s problem is not with the activities themselves.
- Fourth, God has put within man a sense of something bigger (3:11b)
o World = a difficult Hebrew word that usually means eternity
o Man knows in his heart that there is more to life than the daily rhythms of life under the sun. - Fifth, nevertheless, man cannot discover God’s plan (3:11c)
o God’s plan is inscrutable.
o We are finite and can see only small slices of the whole.
o This is a source of great frustration!
o Man cannot be sovereign in God’s world!
What two balancing points does Qohelet give the reader in 3:12-15?
- God has given man the gift of finding a measure of satisfaction even in this life (3:12-13)
- God has made this world mysterious so that man will see the difference between himself and God and will fear God (3:14-15)
What is the heart of wisdom literature, and how does this relate to the rhythms of life?
- Fear of God
o This theme, so prominent in Proverbs, is the heart of wisdom literature.
How does God’s judgment contrast with man’s?
- The “place of judgment” under the sun is the human law court.
o Solomon lamented the injustice that is rampant in human judgment. - He interrupts the thought here by observing that justice will finally be done in God’s law court.
o God’s judgment will be according to the fitness of things.
o He will judge with perfect wisdom.
In what sense is man no better than an animal?
- Recall that Solomon is gathering empirical data “under the sun.”
o He occasionally interjects transcendent observations, but mostly he is looking at things from below
o From this standpoint, man is no better than an animal.
What expression does Qohelet use to indicate man’s discovery of God’s will for his life?
- But if man has a portion from God—i.e., a lot in life—then he can find some satisfaction in his labors, even in the face of death
What are three reasons that it is better to be a friendly person who balances work with relationships than an old miser?
- Unlike the miser, this person enjoys companionship.
o Friendship gives security (4:10)
o Friendship gives comfort (4:11)
o Friendship gives strength (4:12)
What is the point of the odd story about the old king and the two young men obtaining power?
- Solomon addresses the emptiness of even worship when it is done flippantly or with the wrong spirit.
- In this section, he gives four admonitions regarding right worship.
- Whether power is gained through seniority, wisdom, or popularity, it is fleeting.
- Political power is unstable and, therefore, futile.
What are Qohelet’s four admonitions regarding sound worship?
- Guard your steps as you approach the temple.
o Go with an attitude of humble submission.
o Rather than assuming that mere external worship will please God
This is the “sacrifice of fools.” - Do not pray with a hasty or irreverent spirit
God’s greatness demands a cautious, reverent spirit when we enter His presence. - Verse 3 is obscure, but it seems to condemn the fool who “thinks he will be heard for his much speaking.”Approach reverently
Pray reverently
Root it all in the fear of God
What does Ecclesiastes teach about vows?
- These verses make it clear that it is better not to vow than to do so and then offend God by failing to fulfill it
Ultimately, what does right worship consist of?
- Right worship consists of fearing God
What are eight reasons accruing wealth will not finally satisfy?
- Those who pursue wealth never get enough
* If more is the goal, one never reaches it.
* It is like a thirsty man drinking carbonated beverages. - As wealth increases, expenditures inevitably increase.
* The rich man just watches his dependents consume his gains. - Accrual of wealth generates anxiety that robs a person of security and peace
- Some rich people hoard their wealth, doing neither themselves nor anyone else any good
- Riches are easily lost
- Riches cannot accompany one through death – they have no permanent value
- Wealth cannot shield a person from sadness or sickness
* In contrast, the person who accepts his lot in life as a gift from God can rejoice in his labors
o Such a person will not unduly focus on the anxieties of life
o God gives him joy in his daily pursuits
What were the three traditional conditions for happiness in Hebrew thought?
- A man has “the three traditional conditions for happiness in Hebrew thought” (Garrett): rich, lives a long time, and has many children
What appears to be the general purpose of the proverbs in chapter 7?
- Solomon gives a series of proverbs that are intended to help the reader evaluate life wisely
How do the teachings of Job and Ecclesiastes modify our understanding of the sowing and reaping principle?
- Proverbs teaches the sowing and reaping principle
- Job and Ecclesiastes point out the many exceptions to this principle
o Sometimes the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper (7:15)
What does Qohelet mean when he says not to be overly righteous?
- In light of the mystery of life, Qohelet recommends balance
o Don’t be overly scrupulous, a “cheerless, frustrated legalist” (Finkbeiner)
Legalists think they will be blessed because of their punctilious behavior
There are no such guarantees, and such living is self-destructive
What is the theme of chapter 8?
Life’s Frustrations
