Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES
The title of this book, “Eccleasiastes”, comes from the Greek translation of the word used by the speaker to describe himself. It is related to the word for “assembly” and means someone who assembles. Most English translations use the word “Teacher” or “Preacher” to describe the speaker in this book. The Teacher in Eccleasiastes, although never named, is generally believed to be King Solomon. This is based on the identification that he is the son of David, king of Jerusalem. Moreover, the Teacher is very wise and seems to be exceedingly prosperous, both of which were characteristics of King Solomon during his reign.
Ecclesiastes is often considered to be one of the most difficult books of the Old Testament to understand. In isolation, entire sections of Ecclesiastes can appear to contradict other parts of the Bible or even other parts of Ecclesiastes! The reason for these seeming contradictions is the oft-repeated Hebrew word hebel which can mean meaningless (NIV), transient, vain, absurd, ironic, contradiction, futile, senseless, or temporary. Although the author experiences, acquires, accumulates, and achieves almost everything “under the sun”, he generally concludes by saying “meaningless.” The author’s point is that life has lasting meaning only when God is at the center of it. Instead of pursuing the world, we must fear God and keep his commandments (12:13).
As we study Ecclesiastes, may God sober our hearts and turn our hearts toward him for meaning and satisfaction. ?
The Teacher begins with, “Meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” For a king, who has power, honor, and wealth, to say that everything is meaningless is very surprising. Meaningless carries the meaning of vanity, absurd, futile, and temporary.
Next, an example of labor is given. Though generation after generation labors, that labor seems to be for nothing. The earth continues as it always has irrespective of our labor. The sun rises and sets, the winds blow, and the streams continue to flow into the sea though the sea never fills up. We search for novelty but there is nothing new under the sun.
While this all sounds depressing, there is genuine wisdom in what the Teacher says about life in this world. We are often preoccupied with finding meaning and fulfillment in our work, accomplishments, and pursuing new experiences. We may look for meaning in our children, in other people, building a legacy or something else in the world. But we must know and accept that these are all temporary and inadequate. Will you let your sense of meaninglessness drive you to seek God who can give true meaning to life?
