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Books of the Bible |
The accepted author of Ecclesiastes has always been Solomon, the text itself refers to him as author.
The book was probably written when Solomon was old and repenting from his idolatry with his foreign wives. Some date around 935 B.C. is very likely.
Ecclesiastes is often misunderstood because it speaks of the things of the world and uses a sort of reverse logic to make its points. If you read the book thoroughly you will discover that the main purpose is to show that the worldly things are without substance and that only in the fear of God and the keeping of His commandments is there any true peace or happiness.
Prologue (1:1-11)
Search for Good in wisdom and pleasure (1:12-2:26)
Search for Good in business (3-5)
Search for Good in wealth (6-8:15)
Conclusion of the searches (8:16-12:8)
The futility of wisdom, pleasure, business & its rewards
The chief good in wise use and enjoyment of this present life
The chief good in faith in the life to come
Epilogue (12:9-14)
Ecclesiastes was most likely written against the background of Solomon's discovery that he had strayed far from God in his earthly pursuits. Late in his life Solomon repented of the sin of turning his back on God and worshiping pagan idols. He regretted the foreign wives he had married and wished that he had stayed true to God's plan. It is this regret in the heart of an aging king that shaped the book.
The main theological significance of Ecclesiastes is, of course, that God and God alone can provide a satisfying life. A secondary thought is that life is something that we should enjoy, that God has given us a capacity for pleasure and enjoyment in this life that we should be taking advantage of.