A while back, I mentioned that I was preparing some lessons from the book of Ecclesiastes to present at the Harding University Lectureship. It’s been interesting for me to work through this book. I feel like I’ve grown a lot in understanding this unusual book.
Some of the best insights I’ve found came from Ryken’s Bible Handbook and from the Literary Study Bible, with Dr. Leland Ryken leading the team that prepared notes on this book. Dr. Ryken worked on the translation of the ESV; in one interview he noted:
“I think that Ecclesiastes 1:2 should be translated “vapors of vapors.” I’ve been walking around as though missing an arm or a leg ever since losing that vote.”
One of the first insights that I’ve gained into Ecclesiastes is the dual vision present throughout the book, the difference between the view from “under the sun” or “under heaven” and God’s point of view. Much of Ecclesiastes shows us the limited earthly view rather than the heavenly perspective. A key idea is found in chapter 5:
“God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
As we read through Ecclesiastes, we need to get a feel for the times when the author is speaking from a divine viewpoint and when he is portraying typical human interpretations.
I have always enjoyed reading this literature in the OT. There has been a struggle between what is divine and what is human perspective from the author. Thanks for helping me see that from a different angle. This is one of the “dusty” areas of the OT that we tend to leave out. Great info! Thanks for sharing!
Tim, Ryken is one of my top five authors. I love his work. I too have been able to understand Ecclesiastes better because of his insights. I pray that your lessons at Harding’s Lectureship will go well.
I am assuming you will share some of the fruit of your study in time??
Trent, I think we avoid the wisdom literature (except for pulling out certain texts) because it’s so different from what we’re used to.
Thanks Bob. I haven’t read that much from Ryken, but hope to get to read more.
Greg, I thought I was sharing! :-)
I want to bring out some of the different themes over the next few days.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
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