Deep Dive into An Old Testament Theology by Bruce K. Waltke - The Gift of Wisdom, Part 3: Ecclesiastes

The Book of Ecclesiastes is framed by an anonymous narrator who collected and arranged the sayings of Qoheleth, the figure credited with authoring the main text. While traditionally linked to King Solomon, Qoheleth is more plausibly the narrator’s own fictitious literary creation, a Solomon-like figure designed to embody ideal wisdom. This interpretation is supported by arguments against Solomonic authorship, such as the text’s late linguistic date and Qoheleth sometimes speaking from the perspective of a subject rather than a ruler. The book's inclusion in the biblical canon was debated due to concerns over perceived skepticism, agnosticism, and internal contradictions.

The central theme of Ecclesiastes is the assertion that everything is “utterly heḇel,” a Hebrew term that serves as the book’s leading word. Derived from the concrete image of "vapor" or "a puff of air," heḇel carries two main abstract meanings: first, that existence is fleeting, unsubstantial, and ephemeral; and second, that life is enigmatic, illusory, and absurd, yielding no enduring compensation or "gain" (yitrôn) from toil. The ultimate reality validating this conclusion is death, which ensures the wise and the fool meet the same fate.

The theological resolution hinges on the interplay between this futility, the Fear of God, and the Enjoyment of Life. Qoheleth’s conclusion of meaninglessness, drawn from empirical observations "under the sun," leads directly to the imperative to embrace the present. The instruction is to enjoy life now, accepting one's portion rather than pursuing endless profit. However, this enjoyment is not hedonism, but a grateful acceptance of life as a gift of God's grace. The necessary context for responsible living is provided by a heart-based faith that counterbalances empirical skepticism. The book ultimately concludes with the orthodox affirmation to "fear God and keep his commandments," confident in God's wisdom, goodness, and ultimate judgment, which dictates a life lived in gratitude.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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