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Ecclesiastes Core Group Study
Ecclesiastes Core Group Study “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless!” The book of Ecclesiastes begins with this bleak exclamation of futility. Scholars generally attribute the authorship of Ecclesiastes to King Solomon, son of David, who was once one of the wealthiest men on the earth. Jewish tradition holds that Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes towards the end of his life. While Solomon’s authorship is not commonly disputed, it is possible that a third party gathered together this collection of his philosophical musings into a single work. But why might someone so successful by human standards write something so full of despair? King Solomon began his career as the wisest man in existence. His kingdom grew and flourished under God’s blessing. However, Solomon’s weakness for foreign women caused him to fall deep into idolatry, and had devastating effects on the kingdom of Israel for generations far into the future. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon provides a discourse on the futility of earthly pursuits, and the inevitable end all creatures will face: death and judgment before God. He exhorts younger generations to take joy in honest work and simple pleasures, to enjoy their youth, and to ultimately fear God and keep his commandments. This study will provide an overview of Ecclesiastes. Each week will examine a different passage and a main theme based on that passage. In addition, each week of the study will include one or more passages from the New Testament to show the hope, purpose, and meaning that are redeemed through Jesus. Contents Week One: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 2 Week Two: Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 4 Week Three: Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 6 Week Four: Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 8 Week Five: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 10 Week Six: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 12 Week Seven: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 14 Week Eight: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 16 Week Nine: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 18 Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship Page 1 of 19 Week One: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Worship Idea: Open in prayer, then sing some worship songs Opening Questions: 1. -
Ecclesiastes 1
International King James Version Old Testament 1 Ecclesiastes 1 ECCLESIASTES Chapter 1 before us. All is Vanity 11 There is kno remembrance of 1 ¶ The words of the Teacher, the former things, neither will there be son of David, aking in Jerusalem. any remembrance of things that are 2 bVanity of vanities, says the Teacher, to come with those that will come vanity of vanities. cAll is vanity. after. 3 dWhat profit does a man have in all his work that he does under the Wisdom is Vanity sun? 12 ¶ I the Teacher was king over Is- 4 One generation passes away and rael in Jerusalem. another generation comes, but ethe 13 And I gave my heart to seek and earth abides forever. lsearch out by wisdom concerning all 5 fThe sun also rises and the sun goes things that are done under heaven. down, and hastens to its place where This mburdensome task God has it rose. given to the sons of men by which to 6 gThe wind goes toward the south be busy. and turns around to the north. It 14 I have seen all the works that are whirls around continually, and the done under the sun. And behold, all wind returns again according to its is vanity and vexation of spirit. circuits. 15 nThat which is crooked cannot 7 hAll the rivers run into the sea, yet be made straight. And that which is the sea is not full. To the place from lacking cannot be counted. where the rivers come, there they re- 16 ¶ I communed with my own heart, turn again. -
Ecclesiastes – “It’S ______About _____”
“DISCOVERING THE UNREAD BESTSELLER” Week 18: Sunday, March 25, 2012 ECCLESIASTES – “IT’S ______ ABOUT _____” BACKGROUND & TITLE The Hebrew title, “___________” is a rare word found only in the Book of Ecclesiastes. It comes from a word meaning - “____________”; in fact, it’s talking about a “_________” or “_________”. The Septuagint used the Greek word “__________” as its title for the Book. Derived from the word “ekklesia” (meaning “assembly, congregation or church”) the title again (in the Greek) can simply be taken to mean - “_________/_________”. AUTHORSHIP It is commonly believed and accepted that _________authored this Book. Within the Book, the author refers to himself as “the son of ______” (Ecclesiastes 1:1) and then later on (in Ecclesiastes 1:12) as “____ over _____ in Jerusalem”. Solomon’s extensive wisdom; his accomplishments, and his immense wealth (all of which were God-given) give further credence to his work. Outside the Book, _______ tradition also points to Solomon as author, but it also suggests that the text may have undergone some later editing by _______ or possibly ____. SNAPSHOT OF THE BOOK The Book of Ecclesiastes describes Solomon’s ______ for meaning, purpose and satisfaction in life. The Book divides into three different sections - (1) the _____ that _______ is ___________ - (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11); (2) the ______ that everything is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:12-6:12); and, (3) the ______ or direction on how we should be living in a world filled with ______ pursuits and meaninglessness (Ecclesiastes 7:1-12:14). That last section is important because the Preacher/Teacher ultimately sees the emptiness and futility of all the stuff people typically strive for _____ from God – p______ – p_______ – p________ - and p________. -
Ecclesiastes a Resource Booklet on the Overview of Ecclesiastes As Well As Daily BRD Reflections on the Book
Ecclesiastes A Resource Booklet on the Overview of Ecclesiastes as well as daily BRD Reflections on the Book. Join us for the church’s 13-part Sermon Series on Ecclesiastes from 11 July to 3 October 2021. Together, let us explore issues on the meaning and purpose of life in the context of work, possessions and pleasure. Let us also seek God’s wisdom for this unprecedented season we are in. wesleymc.org/ecclesiastes BIBLE READING DRIVE 2021 | Daily Reflections 1 contents LETTER FROM PASTOR-IN-CHARGE P3 ECCLESIASTES/OVERVIEW By Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor-in-Charge P4 SCHEDULE OF SERMONS ON ECCLESIASTES P15 Traditional and Prayer & Praise Services BIBLE READING DRIVE 2021 Daily Reflections on the Book of Ecclesiastes P16 Day 1 • Friday, 2 July P1 7 Day 2 • Saturday, 3 July P20 Day 3 • Sunday, 4 July P23 Day 4 • Monday, 5 July P26 Day 5 • Tuesday, 6 July P29 Day 6 • Wednesday, 7 July P32 Day 7 • Thursday, 8 July P34 Day 8 • Friday, 9 July P37 Day 9 • Saturday, 10 July P40 Day 10 • Sunday, 11 July P43 Day 11 • Monday, 12 July P46 Day 12 • Tuesday, 13 July P48 2 BIBLE READING DRIVE 2021 | Daily Reflections LETTER FROM PASTOR-IN-CHARGE My dear Wesleyan and friend I pray for the peace and protection of God to be with you in these trying times. You are dearly remembered in our prayers. I miss seeing you in person but I know God is watching over you as you continue to stay faithful to Him. We have begun a three-month sermon series on Ecclesiastes and we hope to glean godly wisdom with regard to the meaning and purpose of life, especially so in these uncertain times. -
Ecclesiastes Devotionals
Read Ecclesiastes 1 That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. so there is nothing new under the sun. Eccl 1:9 I was a freshman in college, when a new friend of mine introduced me to his new found source of cash. He was selling phone cards, which were really big at the time because you didn't have a large group of people with cell phones. The idea was not only to sell the phone cards, but to get other people to sell them. You would get a cut of the sales of the people you later recruited, and he had been making real money to prove it. My dad called it a pyramid scheme, and I didn't really know what that was. Eventually the money and the company dried up and I saw Dad was right. Years later someone offered me a chance to make money selling a larger variety of items. I quickly realized I was looking at the same pyramid scheme, just with different components. I remembered the first lesson and kept my money. The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon in his later years. He had more wisdom than anyone who ever lived on the earth, and yet he still had plenty of unwise decisions scattered behind him. And one of the great warnings that Solomon gives is that there's nothing new under the sun. As the internet has become more a part of our lives, it has brought as many problems as solutions. -
Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)
“Living While You Live” (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12) “DEATH!” There I said it—the infamous “d” word. Death is one of those subjects we don’t like to discuss. That’s why it’s a subject of so many euphemisms. Instead of using the word dead , we say, “passed away,” “returned home,” “gone to a better place,” “sleeping in Jesus,” or “went to be with the Lord.” At least we use those terms around the church and the funeral home. In less guarded moments, we speak of “taking a dirt nap,” “kicking the bucket,” “buying the farm,” “cashing in the chips,” “biting the dust,” or the ever-popular “croaked.” Whether we lean to the reverent right or the flippant left, we shy away from speaking directly of the ultimate enemy. 1 It seems that we are hesitant to come to grips with our impending death. We would rather avoid any discussion about it. After all, death is a depressing subject. And who wants to be depressed? Yet, I would argue that we are not prepared to live until we are prepared to die. Solomon tackles the subject of death head-on. Instead of denying death, he discusses its reality and our response. In Eccl 9:1-12, Solomon provides two reminders that will enable us to make the most of our few days on earth.2 1. Death is certain (9:1-6). In this first section, Solomon explains that death is the “Great Equalizer.” Death plays no favorites and overlooks no one. Regardless of your strength and wealth, you are going to die. -
JEWISH PRINCIPLES of CARE for the DYING JEWISH HEALING by RABBI AMY EILBERG (Adapted from "Acts of Laving Kindness: a Training Manual for Bikur Holim")
A SPECIAL EDITION ON DYING WINTER 2001 The NATIONAL CENTER for JEWISH PRINCIPLES OF CARE FOR THE DYING JEWISH HEALING By RABBI AMY EILBERG (adapted from "Acts of Laving Kindness: A Training Manual for Bikur Holim") ntering a room or home where death is a gone before and those who stand with us now. Epresence requires a lot of us. It is an intensely We are part of this larger community (a Jewish demanding and evocative situation. It community, a human community) that has known touches our own relationship to death and to life. death and will continue to live after our bodies are It may touch our own personal grief, fears and gone-part of something stronger and larger than vulnerability. It may acutely remind us that we, death. too, will someday die. It may bring us in stark, Appreciation of Everyday Miracles painful confrontation with the face of injustice Quite often, the nearness of death awakens a when a death is untimely or, in our judgement, powerful appreciation of the "miracles that are with preventable. If we are professional caregivers, we us, morning, noon and night" (in the language of may also face feelings of frustration and failure. the Amidah prayer). Appreciation loves company; Here are some Jewish principles of care for the we only need to say "yes" when people express dying which are helpful to keep in mind: these things. B'tselem Elohim (created in the image of the Mterlife Divine) Unfortunately, most Jews have little knowledge This is true no matter what the circumstances at of our tradition's very rich teachings on life after the final stage of life. -
![Commentary on Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:7, 13 [14] by L.G](https://docslib.b-cdn.net/cover/2509/commentary-on-ecclesiastes-11-9-12-7-13-14-by-l-g-1042509.webp)
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:7, 13 [14] by L.G
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:7, 13 [14] By L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for Sunday, October 16, 2011, is from Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:7, 13. Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the Bible Lesson Commentary below. Study Hints for Thinking Further, which are also available on the Bible Lesson Forum, will aid teachers in conducting class discussion. Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:7, 13 [14] (Ecclesiastes 11:9) Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Solomon’s book tells young people to enjoy being young while they can, for they will soon be old. He also tells young people the choice before them. They can do what they want (set their own goals and follow their feelings) or they can “keep God’s commandments” (see Ecclesiastes 12:13). If they obey or disobey God when following their feelings or setting their own goals, then God will judge whether their choices and actions are right or wrong, good or evil (see Ecclesiastes 12:14). God will hold everyone accountable and responsible for their way of life. (Ecclesiastes 11:10) Banish anxiety from your mind, and put away pain from your body; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. The “dawn of life” (meaning “infancy and childhood”) and youth are vanity or meaningless depending on what a child or youth plans to do and what actions they take. -
Wisdom Is Better, But… PHBF 3.18.18 Ecclesiastes 9:13-11:6 Chasing the Wind It's the Small Things in Life That Matter, Isn M
Wisdom is Better, But… PHBF 3.18.18 Before we get into it, let me remind you where we’ve been and why this Ecclesiastes 9:13-11:6 Chasing the Wind topic comes up now. We’re reading the personal journal of an ancient Jewish philosopher and king, a man this book calls “the Preacher,” on It’s the small things in life that matter, isn’t it? It’s a statement often his earnest quest to find this answer: made sentimentally: “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most 1:3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? room in our hearts” (Winnie the Pooh). He’s asking: When all is said and done, what will remain from my existence? What’s the point of this? In other words, he’s looking for The Preacher in Ecclesiastes would agree that it’s the small things that meaning in life. And he’s challenging us to join him. He wants to talk to make the biggest impact. But if we’ve learned anything about this guy us about the meaning of our own lives. He’s pushing us to think about by this point, he’s no sentimentalist! He’s an unflinching realist. Any what we’re really living for, stop avoiding the big questions of “Why?” idealistic bubble he sees, he pops. He knows it’s the small things, but in and “What for?” He’s performing a much-needed service, especially for his view, the small things can be the most disruptive. -
Ecclesiastes: Koheleth's Quest for Life's Meaning
ECCLESIASTES: KOHELETH'S QUEST FOR LIFE'S MEANING by Weston W. Fields Submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Theology in Grace Theological Seminary May 1975 Digitized by Ted Hildebrandt and Dr. Perry Phillips, Gordon College, 2007. PREFACE It was during a series of lectures given in Grace Theological Seminary by Professor Thomas V. Taylor on the book of Ecclesiastes that the writer's own interest in the book was first stirred. The words of Koheleth are remark- ably suited to the solution of questions and problems which arise for the Christian in the twentieth century. Indeed, the message of the book is so appropriate for the contem- porary world, and the book so cogently analyzes the purpose and value of life, that he who reads it wants to study it; and he who studies it finds himself thoroughly attached to it: one cannot come away from the book unchanged. For the completion of this study the writer is greatly indebted to his advisors, Dr. John C. Whitcomb, Jr. and Professor James R. Battenfield, without whose patient help and valuable suggestions this thesis would have been considerably impoverished. To my wife Beverly, who has once again patiently and graciously endured a writing project, I say thank you. TABLE OF CONTENTS GRADE PAGE iii PREFACE iv TABLE OF CONTENTS v Chapter I. INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 1 II. THE TITLE 5 Translation 5 Meaning of tl,h,qo 6 Zimmermann's Interpretation 7 Historical Interpretations 9 Linguistic Analysis 9 What did Solomon collect? 12 Why does Solomon bear this name? 12 The feminine gender 13 Conclusion 15 III. -
Shepherding Wind and One Wise Shepherd: Grasping for Breath in Ecclesiastes Jason S
Shepherding Wind and One Wise Shepherd: Grasping for Breath in Ecclesiastes Jason S. DeRouchie INTRODUCTION Hebrew name for the writer of Ecclesiastes) is f the book of Ecclesiastes, James L. Crenshaw a skeptic, fatalist, and agnostic, who questions Oonce wrote: the benefits of wisdom and the meaningfulness of life.5 For example, the conservative Tremper Life is profitless, totally absurd. This oppressive Longman III affirms that Qoheleth’s message is message lies at the heart of the Bible’s strang- wholly pessimistic and stands in contrast to the Jason S. DeRouchie is Associate est book. Enjoy life if you can, orthodox wisdom teaching of the rest of the Old Professor of Old Testament at advises the author, for old age will Testament.6 For Longman, the book includes Bethlehem College and Seminary in soon overtake you. And even as two disparate voices, the main voice of Qoheleth Minneapolis, Minnesota. you enjoy, know that the world is providing a literary foil or contrast to the true Prior to this he served as Assistant meaningless. Virtue does not bring message preserved in the epilogue’s call to fear Professor of Old Testament and reward. The deity stands distant, God and keep his commandments (Eccl 12:13- Hebrew at Northwestern College abandoning humanity to chance 14): “Just as in the book of Job, most of the book in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. DeRouchie received his Ph.D. from and death. These views contrast of Ecclesiastes is composed of the nonorthodox The Southern Baptist Theological radically with earlier teachings speeches of the human participants of the book, Seminary. -
Congressional Record—House H9104
H9104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 20, 2019 was inducted into the San Diego Wom- most difficult circumstances. And her throughout the world where such free- en’s Hall of Fame for her work in co- death reminds us that transgender peo- doms do not exist. founding the United Domestic Workers ple are under attack and must have Americans have the right under our of America. equal protection under the law. wonderful system of government to re- With her passing, the State of Cali- f spect and study the Bible or any other fornia and our Nation suffered a tre- system of belief that they so choose or mendous loss. She will be remembered HONORING TOM VASQUEZ even none at all. That is the beauty of for her ‘‘si, se puede’’ attitude and for (Mr. GARCI´A of Illinois asked and the American way, and I believe it goes exemplifying the meaning of her Swa- was given permission to address the all the way back to the Bible. hili given name, Fahari, which means House for 1 minute and to revise and In 1941, President Franklin Delano magnificent, and magnificent she was. extend his remarks.) Roosevelt declared the week of f Mr. GARCI´A of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Thanksgiving to be National Bible SUPPORT BIPARTISAN PATH FOR today, I rise to honor the memory of Week. The National Bible Association USMCA my dear friend Tom Vasquez, who and the U.S. Conference of Bishops have designated the specific days of (Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma passed away on July 23.