Ecclesiastes 3.1-15

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Section A – Old Testament Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15 A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes Selection A3 (Long Form) There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit have workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to mortals to be busied about. Continued on the Next Page Section A – Old Testament God has made everything appropriate to its time, but has put the timeless into their hearts so they cannot find out, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life. Moreover, that all can eat and drink and enjoy the good of all their toil— this is a gift of God. I recognized that whatever God does will endure forever; there is no adding to it, or taking from it. Thus has God done that he may be revered. What now is has already been; what is to be, already is: God retrieves what has gone by. The Word of the Lord .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon
Notes & Outlines ECCLESIASTES SONG OF SOLOMON Dr. J. Vernon McGee ECCLESIASTES WRITER: Solomon. The book is the “dramatic autobiography of his life when he got away from God.” TITLE: Ecclesiastes means “preacher” or “philosopher.” PURPOSE: The purpose of any book of the Bible is important to the correct understanding of it; this is no more evident than here. Human philosophy, apart from God, must inevitably reach the conclusions in this book; therefore, there are many statements which seem to contra- dict the remainder of Scripture. It almost frightens us to know that this book has been the favorite of atheists, and they (e.g., Volney and Voltaire) have quoted from it profusely. Man has tried to be happy without God, and this book shows the absurdity of the attempt. Solomon, the wisest of men, tried every field of endeavor and pleasure known to man; his conclusion was, “All is vanity.” God showed Job, a righteous man, that he was a sinner in God’s sight. In Ecclesiastes God showed Solomon, the wisest man, that he was a fool in God’s sight. ESTIMATIONS: In Ecclesiastes, we learn that without Christ we can- not be satisfied, even if we possess the whole world — the heart is too large for the object. In the Song of Solomon, we learn that if we turn from the world and set our affections on Christ, we cannot fathom the infinite preciousness of His love — the Object is too large for the heart. Dr. A. T. Pierson said, “There is a danger in pressing the words in the Bible into a positive announcement of scientific fact, so marvelous are some of these correspondencies.
[Show full text]
THE APOCRYPHA Definition Why Protestants Reject the Apocrypha
THE APOCRYPHA The four hundred years between the prophecy of Malachi and the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, are frequently described as silent or mute years; however they were full of activity. Although no in- spired prophet appeared in Israel during those years, events occurred that gave Judaism its dis- tinctive creed and proper preparation for the broth of Christ and the gospel message. During this time frame the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and Zealots—who all played impor- tant parts in the four gospels—had their origins. They represented different reactions to the con- tinuing clashes between Hellenism and Judaism. While the Maccabean struggle had settled the political problem between the Syrian Seleucids and Judea, it forced Judaism to determine its rela- tionship with other nations. Definition The term Apocrypha (Gr., hidden) is a collection of ancient Jewish writings and is the title given to these books, which were written between 300 and 30 B.C., in the era between the Old and New Testaments. It contains, among other things, historical events of the Jewish people of that time. In 1546 A.D., the Council of Trent declared these books to be authoritative Scripture; however, Protestant churches have never accepted them as part of the canon. The teachings of purgatory, prayers for the dead, and salvation by works are found in these books. Why Protestants Reject the Apocrypha Many Protestants study the Apocrypha for the light it sheds on the life and thought of pre- Christian Judaism. However, they reject it as inspired Scripture for several specific reasons. First, the Apocryphal books were not a part of the Old Testament of Jesus and the early church.
[Show full text]
The Futility of Life Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
Ecclesiastes: The Futility of Life Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 February 21, 2016 Steve DeWitt We are beginning a new teaching series this weekend on the most intriguing book of the Bible. It’s not often preached through and I’ll bet few here have gone through a teaching series in it. So this will likely be brand new for most of us. That adds some excitement, doesn’t it? Today we begin Ecclesiastes. It’s found in the Old Testament, right after Proverbs and right before Song of Solomon. Right between wisdom and love. That’s appropriate given the questions Ecclesiastes raises about the meaning of life. If we were to take a tour of the Bible, when we arrived at Job our tour guide would say, “And now we’re entering the Wisdom literature.” This literary designation includes Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. These books are some of the most beautifully written in all of Scripture. They deal with life as it actually is. Job loses everything except his faith. Psalms sings through life’s ups and downs. Proverbs urges us away from folly and toward a practical life of wisdom. Then we get to Ecclesiastes. This book is enigmatic. It is embraced by philosophers and artists because of its gritty approach to the brevity of life. To give you an idea, here is a compiled list of the most used words in the book (Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Ecclesiastes: Reformed Expository Commentary, p. 10): Vanity (38) Wisdom (53) God (40) Toil (33) Death (21) Under the Sun (33) Joy (17) On the surface, its tone and questions seem rather gloomy.
[Show full text]
“Introduction to Ecclesiastes” (PDF)
Introduction to Ecclesiastes * Author Anonymous, although traditional Jewish and Christian scholarship ascribe authorship to Solomon. Pros for Solomon: (1) "son of David, king in Jerusalem" (1:10); (2) "great wisdom" and prosperous reign (1:16; 2:1-9) Cons against Solomon: (1) "son of David" can be any Davidic descendant; (2) Hebrew language used is much later than Solomon's 10th century; (3) many kings have preceded him (1:16; 2:7,9), but only David was before him; (4) injustice and oppression during Solomon's reign? (3:16-17; 4:1-3); (5) firsthand foolishness (4:13-16) and abuse of power (8:2-9) by kings Title Comes from the the Latin Vulgate heading, Liber Ecclesiastes. Qoheleth: writer calls himself this word, translated as ekklēsiastēs in the Greek Septuagint. qoheleth related to the Hebrew word qahal, which means assembly. So it is the title of one who leads or addresses the assembly of the people. Hence, the writer is often called “Preacher” or “Teacher.” Date Unknown. If Solomon is author, about 1000 B.C. Some say during or after the exile, 6th-5th cent. B.C. Main Theme and Key Themes Main Theme: "the necessity of fearing God in a fallen … world." Key Themes: 1. The tragic reality of the fall. “subjected to futility” (Rom 8:20), mataiotes, is used 38 times in the Greek LXX of Ecclesiastes for "vanity" (Heb. hebel). The fall has disastrous effects. 2. The "vanity" of life “under the sun.” Begins and ends with “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (1:2; 12:8).
[Show full text]
Lesson 13 – Wisdom Literature Text: Job; Psalms; Proverbs
Lesson 13 – Wisdom Literature Text: Job; Psalms; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon Job: The book of Job describes a man, Job, who deals with the aftermath of great calamity in his life. Job was a righteous man, and Satan challenged the reason for his righteousness to God, arguing that Job only was faithful because of the blessings God provided him. God allowed Satan to afflict Job in various ways, taking away his wealth, children, and good health. Job’s friends came to comfort him, but eventually they and Job began to argue about the reason that Job was afflicted in the first place (they believed that he was being punished for sin). The ultimate lesson is that one’s relationship with God must constant, not affected by the trials of life. Job and his friends learned this lesson, amongst many others. At the end of the book, God restored Job’s possessions and family (and even more). Psalms: The book of Psalms is simply a collection of Jewish songs which cover a variety of topics, including praise to the Lord, historical events, prayers for help, thanksgiving, and even prophecy. Many of the psalms were written by David, who wrote psalms to during many events of his life such as his sin with Bathsheba (51), his deliverance from Saul (18), and others. Other authors include the sons of Korah (the Levite who rebelled in Numbers 16), Asaph (a director of singers in the temple), Solomon, and even Moses. Perhaps the most important psalms are those that prophecy about Jesus’s coming, death, resurrection, and the establishment of His church (for good examples, see Psalms 2 and 22).
[Show full text]
Ecclesiastes: Lesson 1
Ecclesiastes: Lesson 1 Presuppositions: Verbal Plenary Inspiration - ➢ Every word and every part of Scripture is God-breathed. ➢ (inspired, NOT dictated) is that concurrent work of a holy God and a (fallen) human whereby the Holy Spirit so moved the human author that God got exactly what he wanted (his perfect word) without compromising or destroying the personality of the human author. ➢ The Written word of man found in scripture is the very word of God breathed out. (2 Tim 3:16, 2 Pe 1:20-21, 1 Pe 1:10-12) Canon ➢ God’s special revelation in Scripture is completely and accurately contained in the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament. ➢ Canon is recognized and affirmed by the People of God, not determined. Authority of Scripture ➢ The Bible is the final (but not only) rule of faith and practice. Through Scripture, we find everything that is needed for godliness (2 Peter 1:3, Ps 119:105), salvation (2 Tim 3:15, Jas 1:18), sanctification (Jn 17:17, Eph 5:26), and judgment (Jn 12:48, Heb 4:12). ➢ Because of this believers ought to diligently and joyfully study and apply its teachings (Ps 1:1-3, 19:10, 119:11). Christocentric Hermeneutic ➢ The theological conviction that all Scriptures (not just the New Testament) ultimately point to and center upon Christ. In other words, it’s all about Jesus. ➢ A christocentric interpretation of Scripture will find its climax in the gospel generally, and more specifically in the New Testament accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah of the Old Testament (Luke 24:25-27, 44-49, 1 Peter 1:10-12, 2 Pe 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 2:14-15).
[Show full text]
Ecclesiastes 202 1 Edition Dr
Notes on Ecclesiastes 202 1 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable TITLE The title of this book in the Hebrew text is all of verse 1. The Septuagint translation (third century B.C.) gave it the name "Ekklesiastes," from which the English title is a transliteration. This Greek word is related to ekklesia, meaning "assembly." "Ekklesiastes" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word qohelet that the NASB translated "Preacher" in verse 1. The Hebrew word designates a leader who speaks before an assembly of people. As such, this book is a sermon.1 The NIV translation of qohelet as "Teacher" is also a good one. A more literal translation of qohelet would be "Gatherer," as the gatherer of people to an assembly, or the gatherer of thoughts or observations. WRITER AND DATE "… there is scarcely one aspect of the book, whether of date, authorship or interpretation, that has not been the subject of wide difference of opinion."2 The commentators sometimes treat the Hebrew word qohelet ("Preacher"; 1:1-2, 12; 7:27; 12:8-10) as a proper name.3 However, the fact that the article is present on the Hebrew word in 12:8, and perhaps in 7:27, seems to indicate that qohelet is a title: "the preacher" or "the teacher" or "the assembler" or "the convener." 1J. Sidlow Baxter, Explore the Book, 3:143. 2Robert Gordis, Koheleth—The Man and His World, p. 4. 3E.g., ibid., p. 5. Copyright Ó 2021 by Thomas L. Constable www.soniclight.com 2 Dr. Constable's Notes on Ecclesiastes 2021 Edition Internal references point to Solomon as this preacher (cf.
[Show full text]
Ecclesiastes - Words to the Wise
ECCLESIASTES - WORDS TO THE WISE We are beginning a new series on the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Scriptures. Contrary to modern understandings, wisdom has a divine origin, not a human one. As we read wisdom literature, we can easily get the mistaken impression that wisdom involves the memorization and application of certain texts. The fact is, wisdom is not just common sense based upon experience, it is a result of a relationship with God. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge… Proverbs 1.7 The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding. Job 28.28 13 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. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12.13-14 The divine origin of wisdom means that at its foundation wisdom is not a lesson to be learned but a relationship to enjoy. The wisdom we see in Ecclesiastes and Proverbs did not come from simply human origin; instead it comes from the very heart of God. 9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails – given by one Shepherd.
[Show full text]
Wisdom Books of the Bible New Testament
Wisdom Books Of The Bible New Testament Mitchel is atheistically bygone after predeterminate Purcell inhering his evection unthinkingly. Sometimes regenerable Kalle imitating her gaud prematurely, but excommunicative Lloyd job pithily or exude adjunctively. Depressive and portliest Wilbert never peising his cusecs! Song that the wisdom books bible of new testament: one person truly followers of the wisdom each other early system of proverbs is What wisdom as well that israel who empowers his faith and show the theology of the wisdom is how the books, others by traveling evangelists and job? Discover more resources related to the books of the Bible. The wisdom books, soul, our marriage supper of sausage Lamb. How specific we place love? How many hebrew and experiences to load the themes to the bible, what do the prophet whose contents were perhaps an advertiser and temptations from. Written for pastors with a relatively elementary knowledge exchange the correct Testament. Now peaceful is our ship: Our conscience testifies that people have conducted ourselves in opposite world, Ecclesiastes, so that we celebrate be assured that what is however found it our list gonna be placed amongst the Apocryphal writings. God ironically used Joseph to sore them from gear later. They all state occupy same argument over and descend again. About jesus and praise famous men circulating among pagan influences that they are not mean to the wisdom books bible of new testament: life can look for persons in. God will direct divine inspiration, homelessness, God is showing Job because his suffering is just three tiny part except an infinitely large cosmic scheme that pad is controlling through His wisdom.
[Show full text]
The Wisdom Literature of the Bible: the Book of Ecclesiastes,” the Bible Student Ns 23.4 (Oct
F.F. Bruce, “The Wisdom Literature of the Bible: The Book of Ecclesiastes,” The Bible Student ns 23.4 (Oct. 1952): 144-148. The Wisdom Literature of the Bible: The Book of Ecclesiastes F.F. Bruce [p.144] The title Ecclesiastes appears first in the Septuagint. It is a Greek word, derived from ekklesia (‘assembly’) and ordinarily signifies a member of an assembly. But here it means rather the convener or president of an assembly, or the ‘speaker’ in the sense in which we talk of the ‘Speaker’ of the House of Commons, for it represents the Hebrew term qoheleth. This Hebrew term is akin to qahal, which also means ‘assembly’, and means ‘one who gathers the assembly together’. It is a participial form, and (rather strikingly) is in the feminine gender. This has sometimes been explained by the argument that it is Wisdom personified that is viewed as convening the assembly (the Hebrew word for ‘wisdom’, hokhmah, being feminine); but this seems excluded by the opening words of the book, where ‘the Preacher’ (Heb. qoheleth) is identified as ‘the son of David, king in Jerusalem’ (and cf. Eccl. 1:12). It is more likely, therefore, that we have here what grammarians call the ‘feminine of office’, a phenomenon paralleled elsewhere in the O.T. [p.145] As to the identity of ‘the son of David, king in Jerusalem’, Solomon is probably indicated, although later descendants of David have been suggested—notably Uzziah after his contracting leprosy, or Manasseh after his captivity and repentance. However, we shall refer to him by his self-chosen designation, Qoheleth.
[Show full text]
Eng-Web ECC.Pdf Ecclesiastes (19 Pages)
Ecclesiastes 1:1 1 Ecclesiastes 1:13 Ecclesiastes or, The Preacher 1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem: 2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” 3 What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun? 4 One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it rises. 6 The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses. 7 All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, there they flow again. 8 All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9 That which has been is that which shall be, and that which has been done is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there a thing of which it may be said, “Behold,* this is new?” It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us. 11 There is no memory of the former; neither shall there be any memory of the latter that are to come, among those that shall come after. 12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky.
[Show full text]
Small Group Bible Study: Ecclesiastes Introduction (From IVP Press)
Small Group Bible Study: Ecclesiastes Introduction (from IVP Press) Like an apple tree in the middle of an orange grove stands the book of Ecclesiastes among the other books of the Bible. At first glance, it just does not seem to fit. What place does a book which flaunts the daring assertion "Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless" have in Scripture that intends to reveal the saving work of God? Along with the book of Job, Ecclesiastes reminds us that God is bigger, and our life in this world more unpredictable, than we might think. The book invites us to take a realistic tour of life. The sightseeing stops will likely leave those who enjoy nice tidy answers a bit perplexed, if not downright frustrated. Our guide for this adventure is introduced by the Hebrew title qoheleth. The title, which translated into Greek is ekklesiastes, comes from a Hebrew word for assembling. It suggests a type of office-bearer. Thus we have such translations as "the Preacher" (KJV, RSV, NASB), "the Speaker" (NEB), "the Philosopher" (TEV) and the one used in the NIV, "the Teacher". The Teacher identifies himself as "son of David, king in Jerusalem" (1:1). Such an identification naturally links him with the wisest of all Israel's sages, King Solomon. Many commentators, however, believe that the Teacher was not actually Solomon but someone who wrote in the tradition and from the perspective of Solomon. (For a full discussion of Ecclesiastes' authorship, as well as other related issues, including background and date, see Michael Eaton, Ecclesiastes, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries [Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1983], or Derek Kidner, The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes: An Introduction to Wisdom Literature [Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1985].
[Show full text]