“The words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun goes down, and hurries to the place where it rises. The wind blows to the south, and goes around to the north; round and round goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they continue to flow. All things are wearisome; more than one can express; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, or the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has already been, in the ages before us. The people of long ago are not remembered, nor will there be any remembrance of people yet to come by those who come after them.” Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

The title Ecclesiastes derives from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Qohelet” — this is believed to be the author of Ecclesiastes. The NRSV translates the word as “Teacher.” The “Qohelet” or teacher is keenly aware of the world, and his teachings are marked by a constant interaction between traditional “theology” and the concerns of contemporary life. He is what we might call a practical theologian who reflects on the ways of G-d in the world in an effort to instruct people on how to live. A common theme which comes out early in the text is captured in the words “all is vanity”. By this statement, the author repeatedly makes the point that life is unreliable — and that there is nothing new under the sun.

However, there is a contrast to this theme that comes out sometime in the third chapter where the author decides that G-d has made everything suitable for its time. Therefore we should be happy and enjoy ourselves — while still understanding that our relationship with G-d should be one that is held in awe. Enjoy this book of the Bible – it is a wonderful read.

Pastor Dave