Introduction to the Book of Ecclesiastes Why Study This Book? The name Ecclesiastes is a translation of the Hebrew word koheleth, which means “one who calls an assembly” or simply a preacher (see Bible Dictionary, “Ecclesiastes”). Throughout this book, the author poses a series of questions in search of the purpose of life. His questions and subsequent conclusions illustrate his own journey in seeking to understand why we are here on earth. As students study this book, they will ponder the purpose of mortality and discover with the author that all will one day stand before God and be judged. Who wrote this book? Little is known about the author of Ecclesiastes, other than his description of himself as “the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1). When and where was it written? It is unclear when and where this book was written. In Ecclesiastes 1:1–11 and 12:8–14, the text refers to the preacher in the third person. This suggests that someone other than the preacher compiled his writings and teachings some time after they were written. This makes it even more difficult to know when and where this book was written. What are some striking features of this book? The book of Ecclesiastes is unique in that, although the preacher is a person who believes in God, he often asks questions and makes statements as if he were not. Therefore, everything he says must be placed in the context of his final conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13–14: all our works in this life will one day be judged by God. The teachings of this book seem to be directed at people who do not believe in God or who at least have not yet fully committed to Him. The preacher poses questions and statements that many of these people would agree with, but then helps them see how much purpose and meaning we can find in life as we seek to live according to God’s will. Summary Ecclesiastes 1–2 The Preacher concludes that everything in this life is vain or fleeting and does not last. To support this conclusion, he recounts several attempts he has made to find meaning and purpose in life. He has sought frivolity and pleasure, built “magnificent works” (2:4), and gained wealth, but found that none of these things satisfied him. Ecclesiastes 3 The Preacher explains that good and bad things happen to all people. The works of man do not last. However, the works of God are eternal. Ecclesiastes 4–8 The Preacher teaches that although this life is temporary and everyone will eventually die, there are things we can do to find contentment in life. He also identifies things that will certainly result in a life of dissatisfaction, such as oppressing others, accumulating wealth simply to have more than others, and failing to seek wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9–10 The Preacher states that both the wicked and the righteous will experience tragedy. Everyone has a limited time on this earth, and they will benefit far more from gaining wisdom than from acquiring wealth or power. Ecclesiastes 11–12 The preacher concludes that, unlike most things in life, obedience to God’s commandments is of lasting importance, for one day we will all die, our spirits will return to God, and He will judge us according to the way we lived during our mortal lives.