The Basics: A Brief Overview of Ecclesiastes
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
1.) Introduction
2.) Who wrote it
3.) When did they write it
4.) Key topics
5.) Key sections
6.) Books that interact with each other
7.) Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE:
Ecclesiastes
INTRODUCTION:
This book is the written account of King Solomon coming to the understanding that everything without Christ is in vain. We are able to see how God views man and how man incorrectly views himself.
WHO WROTE IT:
The book of Ecclesiastes is written by King Solomon.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
Because the book is written towards the end of King Solomon’s life, we know the book was written around 931 B.C.[1]
KEY TOPICS:
The book of Ecclesiastes discusses science, wisdom, philosophy, pleasure, materialism, fatalism, religion, wealth, and morality.
KEY SECTIONS:
Chapters 1-2 discuss science, wisdom, and philosophy. Chapters 3-6 discuss pleasure, materialism, fatalism, elision, and wealth. Chapters 7 -11 is uniquely discussing morality and human nature. The book ends with chapters 12-14 presenting a reflection by King Solomon.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
This book draws heavily on the unique aspects of wisdom, thus there is subtle reflection to Proverbs and Psalms. However, Ecclesiastes can be considered a stand alone book.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
The book of Ecclesiastes can be considered the philosophical revelation to man from God. We see that without Him in our life, life is fruitless and without any of the fulfillment that we would have if He was in our life. King Solomon goes to great lengths to reveal to the reader what has taken him years to learn. For those who are young and first on their own in this world, the book of Ecclesiastes would be good for you to see that the temptations of this world are nothing more than snares of empty promises. Ecclesiastes is a declaration of God’s unique design of man needing Him in our life if we are to truly live.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL
[1] https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-wisdom-books/ecclesiastes