E430 Navigating the Bible: Ecclesiastes

What do people really get for all their What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God hard work? I have seen the burden God hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made has placed on us all. Yet God has made has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. everything beautiful for its own time. everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human He has planted eternity in the human He has planted eternity in the human heart. But even so, people cannot see heart. But even so, people cannot see heart. But even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from the whole scope of God's work from the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. beginning to end. beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 3 9-11. Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite 9-11. Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite 9-11. Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite books of the Bible. I might be weird in books of the Bible. I might be weird in books of the Bible. I might be weird in this. I don't know many other people who this. I don't know many other people who this. I don't know many other people who would say Ecclesiastes is their would say Ecclesiastes is their would say Ecclesiastes is their favorite, but to me, it's one of the favorite, but to me, it's one of the favorite, but to me, it's one of the most human books in the whole Bible. most human books in the whole Bible. most human books in the whole Bible. Right? And not only does it have some of Right? And not only does it have some of Right? And not only does it have some of my favorite verses, but it's such a my favorite verses, but it's such a my favorite verses, but it's such a relatable look at one man's relatable look at one man's relatable look at one man's struggles. Ecclesiastes is another entry struggles. Ecclesiastes is another entry struggles. Ecclesiastes is another entry in the wisdom literature of the Bible in the wisdom literature of the Bible in the wisdom literature of the Bible along with Job, Psalms, and Proverbs along with Job, Psalms, and Proverbs along with Job, Psalms, and Proverbs that we've already had episodes on. And that we've already had episodes on. And that we've already had episodes on. And even though Ecclesiastes may not seem even though Ecclesiastes may not seem even though Ecclesiastes may not seem like wisdom literature at like wisdom literature at like wisdom literature at first, it becomes clear why the more you first, it becomes clear why the more you first, it becomes clear why the more you spend time in it.

spend time in it. spend time in it. To help us navigate the book of To help us navigate the book of To help us navigate the book of Ecclesiastes is Dr. Richard Ecclesiastes is Dr. Richard Ecclesiastes is Dr. Richard Belchure. Dick is the John and Francis Belchure. Dick is the John and Francis Belchure. Dick is the John and Francis Gwyn professor of Old Testament at Gwyn professor of Old Testament at Gwyn professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary and author Reformed Theological Seminary and author Reformed Theological Seminary and author of the mentor commentary on of the mentor commentary on of the mentor commentary on Ecclesiastes. Before we dive in, I Ecclesiastes. Before we dive in, I Ecclesiastes. Before we dive in, I didn't note this in the conversation, didn't note this in the conversation, didn't note this in the conversation, but I want to bring it up here. If but I want to bring it up here. If but I want to bring it up here. If you've been listening to this podcast you've been listening to this podcast you've been listening to this podcast for some time, you've heard me talk for some time, you've heard me talk for some time, you've heard me talk about the about the about the book On Getting Out of Bed by Alan book On Getting Out of Bed by Alan book On Getting Out of Bed by Alan Noble. In fact, last week's episode was Noble. In fact, last week's episode was Noble. In fact, last week's episode was a re-release episode where I talk about a re-release episode where I talk about a re-release episode where I talk about that book. Now, on Getting Out of Bed is that book. Now, on Getting Out of Bed is that book. Now, on Getting Out of Bed is a perfect book to read a perfect book to read a perfect book to read alongside Ecclesiastes. I started alongside Ecclesiastes. I started alongside Ecclesiastes. I started thinking about the companionship of thinking about the companionship of thinking about the companionship of these books late in my conversation with these books late in my conversation with these books late in my conversation with Dr. Belchure. So, I wanted to make sure Dr. Belchure. So, I wanted to make sure Dr. Belchure. So, I wanted to make sure to bring it up here. So, I will put a to bring it up here. So, I will put a to bring it up here. So, I will put a link to it in the show notes as well. If link to it in the show notes as well. If link to it in the show notes as well. If you are reading Ecclesiastes along with you are reading Ecclesiastes along with you are reading Ecclesiastes along with this episode, also make sure to check this episode, also make sure to check this episode, also make sure to check out on getting out of bed. Now, let's out on getting out of bed. Now, let's out on getting out of bed. Now, let's dive into Ecclesiastes with Dr. Richard Belchure. All right, Dr. Richard Belchure. All right, Dr. Richard Belchure, thank you so much for joining Belchure, thank you so much for joining Belchure, thank you so much for joining us as we talk about Ecclesiastes. This us as we talk about Ecclesiastes. This us as we talk about Ecclesiastes. This is, you know, I people ask you what's is, you know, I people ask you what's is, you know, I people ask you what's your favorite books of the Bible? And, your favorite books of the Bible? And, your favorite books of the Bible? And, you know, a lot of people will say, you

you know, a lot of people will say, you you know, a lot of people will say, you know, Romans or one of the gospels or know, Romans or one of the gospels or know, Romans or one of the gospels or whatever. Sure. Ecclesiastes is one of whatever. Sure. Ecclesiastes is one of whatever. Sure. Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite books. And I think it just my favorite books. And I think it just my favorite books. And I think it just it has some like it has some passages, it has some like it has some passages, it has some like it has some passages, it has some verses that just like speak it has some verses that just like speak it has some verses that just like speak so true and just like kind of just like so true and just like kind of just like so true and just like kind of just like dig deep into me. So, I'm really excited dig deep into me. So, I'm really excited dig deep into me. So, I'm really excited to get into this with you today. Thanks to get into this with you today. Thanks to get into this with you today. Thanks for being here. Good. Yeah. Thanks for for being here. Good. Yeah. Thanks for for being here. Good. Yeah. Thanks for having me. Joy to be here. So, so let's having me. Joy to be here. So, so let's having me. Joy to be here. So, so let's uh start where we start all of these uh start where we start all of these uh start where we start all of these episodes with the basic details because episodes with the basic details because episodes with the basic details because I, you know, I always think that's I, you know, I always think that's I, you know, I always think that's important. So, let's start with with the important. So, let's start with with the important. So, let's start with with the basic. Let's set the table. Do we know basic. Let's set the table. Do we know basic. Let's set the table. Do we know who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes and who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes and who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes and when? And does knowing these things help when? And does knowing these things help when? And does knowing these things help in our understanding of the book at all? in our understanding of the book at all? in our understanding of the book at all? Yeah, good question to start with. Yeah, good question to start with. Yeah, good question to start with. There's a lot of things about the book There's a lot of things about the book There's a lot of things about the book of Ecclesiastes that um pe people have a of Ecclesiastes that um pe people have a of Ecclesiastes that um pe people have a lot of different views on. So I'm going lot of different views on. So I'm going lot of different views on. So I'm going to sort of just present uh what what my to sort of just present uh what what my to sort of just present uh what what my view is and um it it's helped to talk it view is and um it it's helped to talk it view is and um it it's helped to talk it it's helped to talk about the structure it's helped to talk about the structure it's helped to talk about the structure of the book and then and then that'll of the book and then and then that'll of the book and then and then that'll lead into um I think the authorship lead into um I think the authorship lead into um I think the authorship questions. So to understand the book questions. So to understand the book questions. So to understand the book itself, there is a first person itself, there is a first person itself, there is a first person discourse that starts 112 through 127 discourse that starts 112 through 127 discourse that starts 112 through 127 where a person where a person where a person is searching the world, looking at the is searching the world, looking at the is searching the world, looking at the world, drawing conclusions about the world, drawing conclusions about the world, drawing conclusions about the world. We call it a first person world. We call it a first person world. We call it a first person discourse. I saw this, I observed that.

discourse. I saw this, I observed that. discourse. I saw this, I observed that. I said in my heart, I drew these I said in my heart, I drew these I said in my heart, I drew these conclusions. Okay. Then you have it conclusions. Okay. Then you have it conclusions. Okay. Then you have it framed by third person. There's a third framed by third person. There's a third framed by third person. There's a third person might call a prologue. It starts person might call a prologue. It starts person might call a prologue. It starts third person, identify as the author. third person, identify as the author. third person, identify as the author. Then there's the motto of the book. Then there's the motto of the book. Then there's the motto of the book. There's a key question and then there's There's a key question and then there's There's a key question and then there's a poem that sort of sets us up for a poem that sort of sets us up for a poem that sort of sets us up for what's coming in the book. And then the what's coming in the book. And then the what's coming in the book. And then the epilogue is also in third person. And it epilogue is also in third person. And it epilogue is also in third person. And it is really an evaluation of what you've is really an evaluation of what you've is really an evaluation of what you've just read. And you'll notice in that just read. And you'll notice in that just read. And you'll notice in that epilogue you have the phrase my son epilogue you have the phrase my son epilogue you have the phrase my son which I take as a wise man has come which I take as a wise man has come which I take as a wise man has come along and is presenting this material along and is presenting this material along and is presenting this material for a particular reason. for a particular reason. for a particular reason. Knowing um who the author Knowing um who the author Knowing um who the author is will help us I think understand his is will help us I think understand his is will help us I think understand his reason. So so that's the structure of reason. So so that's the structure of reason. So so that's the structure of the book. So who's the author of the the book. So who's the author of the the book. So who's the author of the first person discourse? Well, I I think first person discourse? Well, I I think first person discourse? Well, I I think it's pretty clear at least in in my it's pretty clear at least in in my it's pretty clear at least in in my understanding. If you uh look at one understanding. If you uh look at one understanding. If you uh look at one one, it's the words of the preacher.

one, it's the words of the preacher. one, it's the words of the preacher. Now, the preacher is Cohellet and it's Now, the preacher is Cohellet and it's Now, the preacher is Cohellet and it's translated preacher, son of David, king translated preacher, son of David, king translated preacher, son of David, king of Jerusalem. And then 112 where the of Jerusalem. And then 112 where the of Jerusalem. And then 112 where the first person discourse starts. I again first person discourse starts. I again first person discourse starts. I again the preacher have been king over Israel the preacher have been king over Israel the preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. Now, the only son of David in Jerusalem. Now, the only son of David in Jerusalem. Now, the only son of David who was king over all of Israel and who was king over all of Israel and who was king over all of Israel and Jerusalem was Solomon. uh because after Jerusalem was Solomon. uh because after Jerusalem was Solomon. uh because after uh he died, the kingdom divided into the uh he died, the kingdom divided into the uh he died, the kingdom divided into the northern kingdom and the southern northern kingdom and the southern northern kingdom and the southern kingdom. So I think the text is helping kingdom. So I think the text is helping kingdom. So I think the text is helping us understand that Solomon is the one us understand that Solomon is the one us understand that Solomon is the one who wrote um the first person discourse who wrote um the first person discourse who wrote um the first person discourse and um it's pretty dark at times. Yeah. and um it's pretty dark at times. Yeah. and um it's pretty dark at times. Yeah. And I think uh it's dark because he is And I think uh it's dark because he is And I think uh it's dark because he is struggling struggling struggling uh with life and and I I understand it uh with life and and I I understand it uh with life and and I I understand it that he wrote this book during uh first that he wrote this book during uh first that he wrote this book during uh first kings 11 where his foreign wives turned kings 11 where his foreign wives turned kings 11 where his foreign wives turned his heart away from the Lord and that his heart away from the Lord and that his heart away from the Lord and that explains some of the difficulty and explains some of the difficulty and explains some of the difficulty and darkness and some of the things that he darkness and some of the things that he darkness and some of the things that he says in the first person discourse. And says in the first person discourse. And says in the first person discourse. And so this wise man has come along and he's so this wise man has come along and he's so this wise man has come along and he's taken this, we might call it an taken this, we might call it an taken this, we might call it an autobiography or a memoir that Solomon autobiography or a memoir that Solomon autobiography or a memoir that Solomon wrote, probably a private kind of memoir wrote, probably a private kind of memoir wrote, probably a private kind of memoir that he wrote in terms of just wrestling that he wrote in terms of just wrestling that he wrote in terms of just wrestling with the things that he's seeing in with the things that he's seeing in with the things that he's seeing in life. And this wise man comes along and life. And this wise man comes along and life. And this wise man comes along and presents it to his son, my son. And he's presents it to his son, my son. And he's presents it to his son, my son. And he's he's warning his son against what I he's warning his son against what I he's warning his son against what I would call speculative wisdom. Um, and would call speculative wisdom. Um, and would call speculative wisdom. Um, and we can talk about what that is, but he's

we can talk about what that is, but he's we can talk about what that is, but he's also, I think, explaining what happened also, I think, explaining what happened also, I think, explaining what happened to Solomon. He was the most wisest man to Solomon. He was the most wisest man to Solomon. He was the most wisest man on the earth. At one point, God gave him on the earth. At one point, God gave him on the earth. At one point, God gave him all this wisdom and and and how did it all this wisdom and and and how did it all this wisdom and and and how did it come about that he he wrote something um come about that he he wrote something um come about that he he wrote something um where he's really struggling with what where he's really struggling with what where he's really struggling with what he sees in life. A and so it opens up he sees in life. A and so it opens up he sees in life. A and so it opens up chapter 1 verse one identifying the chapter 1 verse one identifying the chapter 1 verse one identifying the author, the son of David, king of author, the son of David, king of author, the son of David, king of Jerusalem. It has the motto of the book, Jerusalem. It has the motto of the book, Jerusalem. It has the motto of the book, you know, vanity of vanities, all is you know, vanity of vanities, all is you know, vanity of vanities, all is vanity. And I understand that to to mean vanity. And I understand that to to mean vanity. And I understand that to to mean futility, futility, futility, uh, senselessness, even meaninglessness. uh, senselessness, even meaninglessness. uh, senselessness, even meaninglessness. Uh, and and then a key question, what Uh, and and then a key question, what Uh, and and then a key question, what does a person, what does a man gain by does a person, what does a man gain by does a person, what does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the all the toil at which he toils under the all the toil at which he toils under the sun? Is there any real profit, lasting sun? Is there any real profit, lasting sun? Is there any real profit, lasting profit to our labor? He's going to profit to our labor? He's going to profit to our labor? He's going to answer that question. And then we have a answer that question. And then we have a answer that question. And then we have a poem uh here that gives us an idea of poem uh here that gives us an idea of poem uh here that gives us an idea of what's coming where he talks about the what's coming where he talks about the what's coming where he talks about the monotony of the world in which we live. monotony of the world in which we live. monotony of the world in which we live. The sun rises, it sets, the rivers flow The sun rises, it sets, the rivers flow The sun rises, it sets, the rivers flow into the sea and they're never full. Um into the sea and they're never full. Um into the sea and they're never full. Um and that kind of gives us an idea of of and that kind of gives us an idea of of and that kind of gives us an idea of of what's coming. So that helps us what's coming. So that helps us what's coming. So that helps us understand the book that there is a understand the book that there is a understand the book that there is a first person discourse. Yeah. Which is first person discourse. Yeah. Which is first person discourse. Yeah. Which is Solomon. Uh and then a wise man is Solomon. Uh and then a wise man is Solomon. Uh and then a wise man is presenting it to warn his son about presenting it to warn his son about presenting it to warn his son about certain things uh that we can talk about certain things uh that we can talk about certain things uh that we can talk about uh and and and he presents this uh as a uh and and and he presents this uh as a uh and and and he presents this uh as a warning to his son and to explain sort warning to his son and to explain sort warning to his son and to explain sort of what happened to Solomon. Um so so I

of what happened to Solomon. Um so so I of what happened to Solomon. Um so so I think Solomon wrote the book. Now that think Solomon wrote the book. Now that think Solomon wrote the book. Now that that's not acknowledged by everybody. that's not acknowledged by everybody. that's not acknowledged by everybody. Yeah. The name Solomon doesn't occur in Yeah. The name Solomon doesn't occur in Yeah. The name Solomon doesn't occur in the book. Yeah. Um, Cohellet is is the the book. Yeah. Um, Cohellet is is the the book. Yeah. Um, Cohellet is is the the the name the the name the the name uh in the Hebrew and it's translated uh in the Hebrew and it's translated uh in the Hebrew and it's translated preacher or teacher. 129 he's called it preacher or teacher. 129 he's called it preacher or teacher. 129 he's called it teacher. teacher. teacher. Kahal means assembly. So you can see why Kahal means assembly. So you can see why Kahal means assembly. So you can see why an English translation might translate an English translation might translate an English translation might translate it preacher or teacher. Sure. Um but it preacher or teacher. Sure. Um but it preacher or teacher. Sure. Um but because Solomon's name doesn't occur in because Solomon's name doesn't occur in because Solomon's name doesn't occur in the book, some people, you know, the book, some people, you know, the book, some people, you know, question whether he he wrote the book. question whether he he wrote the book. question whether he he wrote the book. But but I think you know son of David, But but I think you know son of David, But but I think you know son of David, king in Jerusalem, king over Israel uh king in Jerusalem, king over Israel uh king in Jerusalem, king over Israel uh in Jerusalem. All signs point. Yes. I I in Jerusalem. All signs point. Yes. I I in Jerusalem. All signs point. Yes. I I I you know obviously I take the Bible I you know obviously I take the Bible I you know obviously I take the Bible what the Bible says seriously. So I what the Bible says seriously. So I what the Bible says seriously. So I think that's that's significant. Yeah. I think that's that's significant. Yeah. I think that's that's significant. Yeah. I want to get more into Solomon in a want to get more into Solomon in a want to get more into Solomon in a minute, but I want to but I don't want minute, but I want to but I don't want minute, but I want to but I don't want to skip over the second question that we to skip over the second question that we to skip over the second question that we typically ask and then I want to dive typically ask and then I want to dive typically ask and then I want to dive more into Solomon. So, how would you more into Solomon. So, how would you more into Solomon. So, how would you describe Ecclesiastes in one sentence?

describe Ecclesiastes in one sentence? describe Ecclesiastes in one sentence? Yeah, that's a good Okay, so it's an Yeah, that's a good Okay, so it's an Yeah, that's a good Okay, so it's an accurate description of living a accurate description of living a accurate description of living a frustrated, frustrating life in a fallen frustrated, frustrating life in a fallen frustrated, frustrating life in a fallen world world world where things don't work out the way you where things don't work out the way you where things don't work out the way you hope because you don't bring God in to hope because you don't bring God in to hope because you don't bring God in to solve your problem. Yeah. And we can see solve your problem. Yeah. And we can see solve your problem. Yeah. And we can see that a couple places in Ecclesiastes. He that a couple places in Ecclesiastes. He that a couple places in Ecclesiastes. He could bring God in to solve the problem could bring God in to solve the problem could bring God in to solve the problem and he doesn't. But what that does is it and he doesn't. But what that does is it and he doesn't. But what that does is it pushes you to look beyond this world. pushes you to look beyond this world. pushes you to look beyond this world. And the answer, there is an answer. It And the answer, there is an answer. It And the answer, there is an answer. It comes at the end of the book in my comes at the end of the book in my comes at the end of the book in my opinion in 12, 13, and 14, fear God and opinion in 12, 13, and 14, fear God and opinion in 12, 13, and 14, fear God and keep his commandments. And so living keep his commandments. And so living keep his commandments. And so living your life in this world, you get so your life in this world, you get so your life in this world, you get so caught up in the events of the world and caught up in the events of the world and caught up in the events of the world and and and sometimes you lose your focus and and sometimes you lose your focus and and sometimes you lose your focus and and this book shows you what it's and and this book shows you what it's and and this book shows you what it's like to live in a fallen world in a like to live in a fallen world in a like to live in a fallen world in a limited human perspective. limited human perspective. limited human perspective. um and how frustrating it is and it um and how frustrating it is and it um and how frustrating it is and it pushes us uh to looking beyond the world pushes us uh to looking beyond the world pushes us uh to looking beyond the world to the real answer which which God uh to the real answer which which God uh to the real answer which which God uh obviously uh gives to us. Now that was obviously uh gives to us. Now that was obviously uh gives to us. Now that was more than one. No, that's but but it more than one. No, that's but but it more than one. No, that's but but it started with one. That's right. It did started with one. That's right. It did started with one. That's right. It did and then we expanded on it which is and then we expanded on it which is and then we expanded on it which is great. I love I love this book in great. I love I love this book in great. I love I love this book in partnership with Psalms because there's partnership with Psalms because there's partnership with Psalms because there's such real you know it's because you get such real you know it's because you get such real you know it's because you get this visceral human nature that we you this visceral human nature that we you this visceral human nature that we you know can so relate to and that's a part know can so relate to and that's a part know can so relate to and that's a part of why I I love this book so much is I I of why I I love this book so much is I I of why I I love this book so much is I I I just love the humanity that is I just love the humanity that is I just love the humanity that is presented in it but at the same time

presented in it but at the same time presented in it but at the same time kind of reaching or clamoring or just kind of reaching or clamoring or just kind of reaching or clamoring or just yelling or scream like you you can yelling or scream like you you can yelling or scream like you you can picture the struggle the desire for God picture the struggle the desire for God picture the struggle the desire for God and yet sometimes being stuck stuck in and yet sometimes being stuck stuck in and yet sometimes being stuck stuck in such um such the precariousness of now such um such the precariousness of now such um such the precariousness of now and the frustrations of now that we and the frustrations of now that we and the frustrations of now that we don't see God through the clouds almost. don't see God through the clouds almost. don't see God through the clouds almost. And that's why I find Solomon such a And that's why I find Solomon such a And that's why I find Solomon such a fascinating person. As we've walked fascinating person. As we've walked fascinating person. As we've walked through this series and going through through this series and going through through this series and going through First Kings and Second Kings and First First Kings and Second Kings and First First Kings and Second Kings and First and Second Chronicles, I and we just and Second Chronicles, I and we just and Second Chronicles, I and we just going back through the story of Solomon, going back through the story of Solomon, going back through the story of Solomon, I it's one of like it's it's become one I it's one of like it's it's become one I it's one of like it's it's become one of the biggest almost tragedies of the of the biggest almost tragedies of the of the biggest almost tragedies of the Old Testament is looking at this man who Old Testament is looking at this man who Old Testament is looking at this man who um had David at his as his father, um had David at his as his father, um had David at his as his father, right? you know, was given the gift of right? you know, was given the gift of right? you know, was given the gift of wisdom by God, king of all of of of wisdom by God, king of all of of of wisdom by God, king of all of of of Israel. And yet the result of his Israel. And yet the result of his Israel. And yet the result of his kingship is the divided kingdom. And we kingship is the divided kingdom. And we kingship is the divided kingdom. And we just see the struggle. And we see um just see the struggle. And we see um just see the struggle. And we see um almost just the spiraling downfall of almost just the spiraling downfall of almost just the spiraling downfall of this once great man. And you can see this once great man. And you can see this once great man. And you can see that as you said at play he his soul that as you said at play he his soul that as you said at play he his soul clearly tormented clearly tormented clearly tormented uh in reading Ecclesiastes. So what can uh in reading Ecclesiastes. So what can uh in reading Ecclesiastes. So what can you tell us about this this person of you tell us about this this person of you tell us about this this person of Solomon and how we can read this book Solomon and how we can read this book Solomon and how we can read this book and be thinking about him specifically?

and be thinking about him specifically? and be thinking about him specifically? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um yeah what you said is very very true. Um yeah what you said is very very true. Um yeah what you said is very very true. Um, if you think of Solomon and and and Um, if you think of Solomon and and and Um, if you think of Solomon and and and if you compare Solomon's reign with if you compare Solomon's reign with if you compare Solomon's reign with Deuteronomy 17 and he did a lot of Deuteronomy 17 and he did a lot of Deuteronomy 17 and he did a lot of things that Deuteronomy 17 warned things that Deuteronomy 17 warned things that Deuteronomy 17 warned against accumulation of horses, uh, against accumulation of horses, uh, against accumulation of horses, uh, wealth. Now, God gave him a lot of wealth. Now, God gave him a lot of wealth. Now, God gave him a lot of wealth, maybe because God gave him a lot wealth, maybe because God gave him a lot wealth, maybe because God gave him a lot of wisdom, but then not to multiply of wisdom, but then not to multiply of wisdom, but then not to multiply wives. Yeah. And that seemed to be his wives. Yeah. And that seemed to be his wives. Yeah. And that seemed to be his downfall. downfall. downfall. Because first Kings 11 says very clearly Because first Kings 11 says very clearly Because first Kings 11 says very clearly that his foreign wives turned his heart that his foreign wives turned his heart that his foreign wives turned his heart away from the Lord and he began away from the Lord and he began away from the Lord and he began worshiping some of the false gods worshiping some of the false gods worshiping some of the false gods um that they sort of brought into the um that they sort of brought into the um that they sort of brought into the kingdom. Um and I wish the Bible was kingdom. Um and I wish the Bible was kingdom. Um and I wish the Bible was clearer on the end of Solomon. Now I clearer on the end of Solomon. Now I clearer on the end of Solomon. Now I really do believe he'll be in glory. really do believe he'll be in glory. really do believe he'll be in glory. Yeah. I mean God used him to write Yeah. I mean God used him to write Yeah. I mean God used him to write scripture scripture scripture proverbs very much. So, I wish the Bible proverbs very much. So, I wish the Bible proverbs very much. So, I wish the Bible was told us a little bit more, but the was told us a little bit more, but the was told us a little bit more, but the Bible doesn't always tell us what what Bible doesn't always tell us what what Bible doesn't always tell us what what we would hope it would tell us. Yeah.

we would hope it would tell us. Yeah. we would hope it would tell us. Yeah. Um, so, so I'm very hopeful. But, but Um, so, so I'm very hopeful. But, but Um, so, so I'm very hopeful. But, but when you read the book and especially when you read the book and especially when you read the book and especially when you get to chapter 1 verse 12, you when you get to chapter 1 verse 12, you when you get to chapter 1 verse 12, you know, read it know, read it know, read it wi with the idea that Solomon is not wi with the idea that Solomon is not wi with the idea that Solomon is not looking at life exactly the way he looking at life exactly the way he looking at life exactly the way he should because his heart isn't where it should because his heart isn't where it should because his heart isn't where it should be with the Lord. And so he should be with the Lord. And so he should be with the Lord. And so he begins to pursue things that um really begins to pursue things that um really begins to pursue things that um really goes against what Proverbs says. I mean goes against what Proverbs says. I mean goes against what Proverbs says. I mean he says near the the beginning of the he says near the the beginning of the he says near the the beginning of the book chapter 1 verse 17 he wanted to book chapter 1 verse 17 he wanted to book chapter 1 verse 17 he wanted to apply his heart to know wisdom but also apply his heart to know wisdom but also apply his heart to know wisdom but also to pursue madness and folly. So he wants to pursue madness and folly. So he wants to pursue madness and folly. So he wants to experience madness and folly and see to experience madness and folly and see to experience madness and folly and see where that's going to take him but also where that's going to take him but also where that's going to take him but also then to pursue wisdom. And so it's kind then to pursue wisdom. And so it's kind then to pursue wisdom. And so it's kind of like an experiment that he's on. Um of like an experiment that he's on. Um of like an experiment that he's on. Um and and I think that explains a lot of and and I think that explains a lot of and and I think that explains a lot of uh of some of the the difficulty in the uh of some of the the difficulty in the uh of some of the the difficulty in the book and even some or unorthodox book and even some or unorthodox book and even some or unorthodox statements he may make at times. Now I I statements he may make at times. Now I I statements he may make at times. Now I I I don't think he's an unbeliever. Yeah.

I don't think he's an unbeliever. Yeah. I don't think he's an unbeliever. Yeah. I I think he is someone who's struggling I I think he is someone who's struggling I I think he is someone who's struggling as as we all do at times. Um struggling as as we all do at times. Um struggling as as we all do at times. Um struggling with life because he's not looking at with life because he's not looking at with life because he's not looking at life the way he should. Um, and again, life the way he should. Um, and again, life the way he should. Um, and again, First Kings 11 to me just explains a lot First Kings 11 to me just explains a lot First Kings 11 to me just explains a lot about his perspective. Yeah. I think about his perspective. Yeah. I think about his perspective. Yeah. I think it's it's such a it's it's such a it's it's such a a fascinating thing to think about this a fascinating thing to think about this a fascinating thing to think about this man who had all the wisdom in the world, man who had all the wisdom in the world, man who had all the wisdom in the world, the wisest man who has ever lived. Yeah. the wisest man who has ever lived. Yeah. the wisest man who has ever lived. Yeah. And yet even wisdom cannot necessarily And yet even wisdom cannot necessarily And yet even wisdom cannot necessarily take you away from spiritual struggle, take you away from spiritual struggle, take you away from spiritual struggle, right? From the results of the sinful right? From the results of the sinful right? From the results of the sinful decisions that we make in our lives. And decisions that we make in our lives. And decisions that we make in our lives. And that's what Ecclesiastes really at its that's what Ecclesiastes really at its that's what Ecclesiastes really at its heart is about is about being lost and heart is about is about being lost and heart is about is about being lost and grasping and you see things differently. grasping and you see things differently. grasping and you see things differently. So let's get into these themes that we So let's get into these themes that we So let's get into these themes that we see from Ecclesiastes cuz it's so full see from Ecclesiastes cuz it's so full see from Ecclesiastes cuz it's so full of themes. So So what are some of the of themes. So So what are some of the of themes. So So what are some of the major themes that you would want to major themes that you would want to major themes that you would want to identify for this book? Well, I I I identify for this book? Well, I I I identify for this book? Well, I I I think the main one um is related to the think the main one um is related to the think the main one um is related to the model which occurs in one two and then model which occurs in one two and then model which occurs in one two and then 127. vanity of vanities all is 127. vanity of vanities all is 127. vanity of vanities all is vanity. Um and and that's that's what he vanity. Um and and that's that's what he vanity. Um and and that's that's what he comes back to throughout the book. He's comes back to throughout the book. He's comes back to throughout the book. He's he's looking at things that he thinks he's looking at things that he thinks he's looking at things that he thinks might, you know, give some significance might, you know, give some significance might, you know, give some significance to life. Um but he but he always comes to life. Um but he but he always comes to life. Um but he but he always comes back to to this well this too this too back to to this well this too this too back to to this well this too this too is it's he in Hebrew. This too is is it's he in Hebrew. This too is is it's he in Hebrew. This too is vanity. This two is futility. Uh

vanity. This two is futility. Uh vanity. This two is futility. Uh senseless. He he just keeps coming back senseless. He he just keeps coming back senseless. He he just keeps coming back to that. So that's the main thing. um to that. So that's the main thing. um to that. So that's the main thing. um within the first person uh discourse within the first person uh discourse within the first person uh discourse um and and it explains a lot I think um and and it explains a lot I think um and and it explains a lot I think about what he's struggling with. I think about what he's struggling with. I think about what he's struggling with. I think the way the reason this book resonates the way the reason this book resonates the way the reason this book resonates with modern people is is because um it with modern people is is because um it with modern people is is because um it it's very kind of existential and it's it's very kind of existential and it's it's very kind of existential and it's it it takes the things that we think it it takes the things that we think it it takes the things that we think might give us significance in life and might give us significance in life and might give us significance in life and it just kind of deconstructs a lot of it just kind of deconstructs a lot of it just kind of deconstructs a lot of them for us. Yeah. Uh which is a true them for us. Yeah. Uh which is a true them for us. Yeah. Uh which is a true way to look at the world. um if you're way to look at the world. um if you're way to look at the world. um if you're putting your hope in in the things of putting your hope in in the things of putting your hope in in the things of the world. So So that's I think one that the world. So So that's I think one that the world. So So that's I think one that that's I think the major theme of the that's I think the major theme of the that's I think the major theme of the book. There's a lot of I think some sub book. There's a lot of I think some sub book. There's a lot of I think some sub themes going on but um but but that's themes going on but um but but that's themes going on but um but but that's one of the major ones just this word you one of the major ones just this word you one of the major ones just this word you know futility and that's what's so I know futility and that's what's so I know futility and that's what's so I mean if you think about like the starts mean if you think about like the starts mean if you think about like the starts of the books of the Bible right people of the books of the Bible right people of the books of the Bible right people always you know Genesis starts with and always you know Genesis starts with and always you know Genesis starts with and God said let there be light right and God said let there be light right and God said let there be light right and then you have John which starts you know then you have John which starts you know then you have John which starts you know in the beginning was the word you have in the beginning was the word you have in the beginning was the word you have these but Ecclesiastes hits so hard these but Ecclesiastes hits so hard these but Ecclesiastes hits so hard especially especially especially I have the NLT with me right here. It I have the NLT with me right here. It I have the NLT with me right here. It literally just starts with everything is literally just starts with everything is literally just starts with everything is meaningless. Yes. Yes. And it's just meaningless. Yes. Yes. And it's just meaningless. Yes. Yes. And it's just such a great start of you're like, "Oh, such a great start of you're like, "Oh, such a great start of you're like, "Oh, okay. We're diving into this. This is okay. We're diving into this. This is okay. We're diving into this. This is great." That's right. Yes. Yeah.

great." That's right. Yes. Yeah. great." That's right. Yes. Yeah. Meaningless. Yeah. That's Meaningless. Yeah. That's Meaningless. Yeah. That's uh that's a good way to to put it. But uh that's a good way to to put it. But uh that's a good way to to put it. But it's that I I think I think it's that it's that I I think I think it's that it's that I I think I think it's that theme that you were talking about that theme that you were talking about that theme that you were talking about that this theme of almost and I think a way I this theme of almost and I think a way I this theme of almost and I think a way I would say one of the reasons too that would say one of the reasons too that would say one of the reasons too that this book might resonate more even now this book might resonate more even now this book might resonate more even now with this generation is we have this with this generation is we have this with this generation is we have this greater awareness of mental health greater awareness of mental health greater awareness of mental health struggles in this generation and what struggles in this generation and what struggles in this generation and what you're seeing even in in I'm not going you're seeing even in in I'm not going you're seeing even in in I'm not going to try to diagnose Solomon but it reads to try to diagnose Solomon but it reads to try to diagnose Solomon but it reads like somebody who is struggling with a like somebody who is struggling with a like somebody who is struggling with a bout of depression right now. Oh, sure. bout of depression right now. Oh, sure. bout of depression right now. Oh, sure. And and so so I think it's I think it's And and so so I think it's I think it's And and so so I think it's I think it's fair to read that into this to say like, fair to read that into this to say like, fair to read that into this to say like, you know, because that's that's a common you know, because that's that's a common you know, because that's that's a common struggle with being like everything is struggle with being like everything is struggle with being like everything is meaningless. Life is futile. What is the meaningless. Life is futile. What is the meaningless. Life is futile. What is the point of anything? yada yada yada. And point of anything? yada yada yada. And point of anything? yada yada yada. And and that is so clear. So I think you and that is so clear. So I think you and that is so clear. So I think you know I can I can think of conversations know I can I can think of conversations know I can I can think of conversations I have had with people who have I have had with people who have I have had with people who have basically been quoting from Ecclesiastes basically been quoting from Ecclesiastes basically been quoting from Ecclesiastes but from their own life. Sure. And so but from their own life. Sure. And so but from their own life. Sure. And so taking that theme and just seeing that taking that theme and just seeing that taking that theme and just seeing that these were struggles that people dealt these were struggles that people dealt these were struggles that people dealt with even thousands of years ago that with even thousands of years ago that with even thousands of years ago that humanity has continued in this way over humanity has continued in this way over humanity has continued in this way over time that these struggles are real. And time that these struggles are real. And time that these struggles are real. And yet as you pointed out earlier, you get yet as you pointed out earlier, you get yet as you pointed out earlier, you get to the very end of the book which then to the very end of the book which then to the very end of the book which then points people back to God, points people points people back to God, points people points people back to God, points people back to obey his commands, to follow his back to obey his commands, to follow his back to obey his commands, to follow his word. So even though Solomon I'm going

word. So even though Solomon I'm going word. So even though Solomon I'm going to say that Solomon wrote that even to say that Solomon wrote that even to say that Solomon wrote that even though even though Solomon has been though even though Solomon has been though even though Solomon has been spending the whole book talking about spending the whole book talking about spending the whole book talking about the futility of things, why bother? Why the futility of things, why bother? Why the futility of things, why bother? Why do they yada yada like he still he gets do they yada yada like he still he gets do they yada yada like he still he gets back to that place? Mhm. And so, so as I back to that place? Mhm. And so, so as I back to that place? Mhm. And so, so as I mentioned, like you pair this with mentioned, like you pair this with mentioned, like you pair this with Psalms, you pair this later with Psalms, you pair this later with Psalms, you pair this later with Lamentations and you see kind of this Lamentations and you see kind of this Lamentations and you see kind of this this outpouring that is so real because this outpouring that is so real because this outpouring that is so real because a lot of scripture and I think a lot of a lot of scripture and I think a lot of a lot of scripture and I think a lot of times that when people have issues with times that when people have issues with times that when people have issues with scripture or people who aren't of the scripture or people who aren't of the scripture or people who aren't of the faith who you know, oh, it's just so faith who you know, oh, it's just so faith who you know, oh, it's just so either a bunch of rules or a bunch of either a bunch of rules or a bunch of either a bunch of rules or a bunch of history or it's just boring narrative or history or it's just boring narrative or history or it's just boring narrative or whatever, right? If you miss this little whatever, right? If you miss this little whatever, right? If you miss this little book of Ecclesiastes, which I know it book of Ecclesiastes, which I know it book of Ecclesiastes, which I know it comes right after all these long books, comes right after all these long books, comes right after all these long books, But it's and so it can be easy to miss, But it's and so it can be easy to miss, But it's and so it can be easy to miss, but you see the humanity in it. And so I but you see the humanity in it. And so I but you see the humanity in it. And so I I I'm so grateful that God has decided I I'm so grateful that God has decided I I'm so grateful that God has decided in in his providence to include a book in in his providence to include a book in in his providence to include a book like this as a a wisdom literature book like this as a a wisdom literature book like this as a a wisdom literature book in the Bible because it is so grounding in the Bible because it is so grounding in the Bible because it is so grounding for us. It so brings us back to ah yes, for us. It so brings us back to ah yes, for us. It so brings us back to ah yes, I can relate to this. And then you know I can relate to this. And then you know I can relate to this. And then you know it bring and it makes you think of all it bring and it makes you think of all it bring and it makes you think of all these other books that you've read if these other books that you've read if these other books that you've read if you've been going through the wisdom you've been going through the wisdom you've been going through the wisdom literature or whatnot and it ties you literature or whatnot and it ties you literature or whatnot and it ties you into this and I just I'm so grateful for into this and I just I'm so grateful for into this and I just I'm so grateful for its presence in scripture. Yeah. Bible its presence in scripture. Yeah. Bible its presence in scripture. Yeah. Bible deals with uh the realities of life. It deals with uh the realities of life. It deals with uh the realities of life. It really does. It really really does. It really really does. It really does. So let's talk about what this book does. So let's talk about what this book does. So let's talk about what this book teaches us specifically. So So what does

teaches us specifically. So So what does teaches us specifically. So So what does Ecclesiastes teach us about God? Ecclesiastes teach us about God? Ecclesiastes teach us about God? Yeah. um for Solomon himself Yeah. um for Solomon himself Yeah. um for Solomon himself um he's wrestling with with his view of um he's wrestling with with his view of um he's wrestling with with his view of God and and part part of part of I think God and and part part of part of I think God and and part part of part of I think the struggle is there's two places in the struggle is there's two places in the struggle is there's two places in the book where he could bring God in to the book where he could bring God in to the book where he could bring God in to solve his problem. One is chapter three solve his problem. One is chapter three solve his problem. One is chapter three where and this is this is another theme where and this is this is another theme where and this is this is another theme we could talk about. He really struggles we could talk about. He really struggles we could talk about. He really struggles with why do the righteous receive what with why do the righteous receive what with why do the righteous receive what the wicked deserve? Yeah. And why do the the wicked deserve? Yeah. And why do the the wicked deserve? Yeah. And why do the wicked seem to have it made? They seem wicked seem to have it made? They seem wicked seem to have it made? They seem to be blessed. And uh and he he makes to be blessed. And uh and he he makes to be blessed. And uh and he he makes that statement in chapter that statement in chapter that statement in chapter 3:16. And then he follows it with a with 3:16. And then he follows it with a with 3:16. And then he follows it with a with a theological a theological a theological uh uh uh reflection that God is a God of reflection that God is a God of reflection that God is a God of judgment. there's the right time for judgment. there's the right time for judgment. there's the right time for everything and there should be a time everything and there should be a time everything and there should be a time for judgment. And he follows that with for judgment. And he follows that with for judgment. And he follows that with an what we might call an anthropological an what we might call an anthropological an what we might call an anthropological reflection where he begins to talk about reflection where he begins to talk about reflection where he begins to talk about humans and animals. And he basically humans and animals. And he basically humans and animals. And he basically comes to the conclusion that there's comes to the conclusion that there's comes to the conclusion that there's really no difference uh between humans really no difference uh between humans really no difference uh between humans and animals. They all have the same and animals. They all have the same and animals. They all have the same breath. This is 3:19.

breath. This is 3:19. breath. This is 3:19. Um man has no advantage over the beasts Um man has no advantage over the beasts Um man has no advantage over the beasts for all his vanity. Meaningless. All go for all his vanity. Meaningless. All go for all his vanity. Meaningless. All go to one place. All are from the dust. all to one place. All are from the dust. all to one place. All are from the dust. all to dust return. Who knows whether the to dust return. Who knows whether the to dust return. Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit spirit of man goes upward and the spirit spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down to the earth. Um of the beast goes down to the earth. Um of the beast goes down to the earth. Um now he could have brought God in here to now he could have brought God in here to now he could have brought God in here to solve this problem. Yeah. But he let he solve this problem. Yeah. But he let he solve this problem. Yeah. But he let he he he ended it with his anthropological he he ended it with his anthropological he he ended it with his anthropological reflection that there's really no reflection that there's really no reflection that there's really no difference which then led into typical difference which then led into typical difference which then led into typical in the book this sort of well there's in the book this sort of well there's in the book this sort of well there's nothing better than than that we should nothing better than than that we should nothing better than than that we should um enjoy some of the things in life. We um enjoy some of the things in life. We um enjoy some of the things in life. We can talk about the calls to enjoyment. can talk about the calls to enjoyment. can talk about the calls to enjoyment. That that's one place. The other place That that's one place. The other place That that's one place. The other place that this happens is chapter that this happens is chapter that this happens is chapter nine where um he says the beginning of nine where um he says the beginning of nine where um he says the beginning of chapter nine the righteous and the wise chapter nine the righteous and the wise chapter nine the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. and their deeds are in the hand of God. and their deeds are in the hand of God. Now to be in the hand of God in other Now to be in the hand of God in other Now to be in the hand of God in other places the Bible is to be in a place of places the Bible is to be in a place of places the Bible is to be in a place of security. security. security. But he goes on to say well whether it's But he goes on to say well whether it's But he goes on to say well whether it's love or hate man does not know both are love or hate man does not know both are love or hate man does not know both are before him. It's the same for all. The before him. It's the same for all. The before him. It's the same for all. The same event happens to the righteous and same event happens to the righteous and same event happens to the righteous and the wicked the good and the evil. He the wicked the good and the evil. He the wicked the good and the evil. He basically says it doesn't make any basically says it doesn't make any basically says it doesn't make any difference which side of the aisle difference which side of the aisle difference which side of the aisle you're on if you're on the righteous you're on if you're on the righteous you're on if you're on the righteous side of the aisle or the wicked side of side of the aisle or the wicked side of side of the aisle or the wicked side of the aisle. Um uh and and he he goes on the aisle. Um uh and and he he goes on the aisle. Um uh and and he he goes on to um you know basically say that hey to um you know basically say that hey to um you know basically say that hey this it doesn't really matter. And and this it doesn't really matter. And and this it doesn't really matter. And and this is another place where where he this is another place where where he this is another place where where he could have used the fact that the could have used the fact that the could have used the fact that the righteous and the wise are in the hand righteous and the wise are in the hand righteous and the wise are in the hand of God to be something that could be of God to be something that could be of God to be something that could be helpful, protective, encouraging to us

helpful, protective, encouraging to us helpful, protective, encouraging to us that we feel that we feel that we feel secure, refuge in the hands of God. But secure, refuge in the hands of God. But secure, refuge in the hands of God. But but he doesn't. And and but he doesn't. And and but he doesn't. And and so his perception of God, I think be so his perception of God, I think be so his perception of God, I think be because he's not wanting to bring God in because he's not wanting to bring God in because he's not wanting to bring God in into these struggles to solve the into these struggles to solve the into these struggles to solve the problem is he sees God as distant. Yeah. problem is he sees God as distant. Yeah. problem is he sees God as distant. Yeah. And he's very cautious in his approach And he's very cautious in his approach And he's very cautious in his approach to God. You know, in in the book of to God. You know, in in the book of to God. You know, in in the book of Proverbs, the covenant name of God, Lord Proverbs, the covenant name of God, Lord Proverbs, the covenant name of God, Lord in capitals, in capitals, in capitals, which we might say is Yahweh. Yeah. it which we might say is Yahweh. Yeah. it which we might say is Yahweh. Yeah. it is that that that's never used in is that that that's never used in is that that that's never used in Ecclesiastes, only Elohim, the generic Ecclesiastes, only Elohim, the generic Ecclesiastes, only Elohim, the generic name for God. So, um, so he's struggling name for God. So, um, so he's struggling name for God. So, um, so he's struggling with with his view of of God and God's with with his view of of God and God's with with his view of of God and God's relation to the world. We can't relation to the world. We can't relation to the world. We can't understand what God is doing in the understand what God is doing in the understand what God is doing in the world. We can't make sense of the world. world. We can't make sense of the world. world. We can't make sense of the world. Um now I think what it can teach us Um now I think what it can teach us Um now I think what it can teach us about God Yeah. is um that God is about God Yeah. is um that God is about God Yeah. is um that God is sometimes incomprehensible, sometimes sometimes incomprehensible, sometimes sometimes incomprehensible, sometimes hard to understand. Uh and and life, you hard to understand. Uh and and life, you hard to understand. Uh and and life, you know, throws stuff at us that we know, throws stuff at us that we know, throws stuff at us that we really can't fully comprehend. But we really can't fully comprehend. But we really can't fully comprehend. But we have to keep coming back to what we know have to keep coming back to what we know have to keep coming back to what we know about the truth of God that he is a about the truth of God that he is a about the truth of God that he is a righteous God. He's a holy God and and righteous God. He's a holy God and and righteous God. He's a holy God and and there will be a judgment one day as the there will be a judgment one day as the there will be a judgment one day as the end of the book tells us. Um and and so end of the book tells us. Um and and so end of the book tells us. Um and and so it's it's an it's it's it pushes us I

it's it's an it's it's it pushes us I it's it's an it's it's it pushes us I think um to look to God to solve the think um to look to God to solve the think um to look to God to solve the problems of life even problems of life even problems of life even if we can't fully explain if we can't fully explain if we can't fully explain all the stuff that comes into our life. all the stuff that comes into our life. all the stuff that comes into our life. You know, a lot of struggles in life, a You know, a lot of struggles in life, a You know, a lot of struggles in life, a lot of bad things come into our life. lot of bad things come into our life. lot of bad things come into our life. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um but but but even though we can't Um but but but even though we can't Um but but but even though we can't understand it all, we have to have faith understand it all, we have to have faith understand it all, we have to have faith and trust that that God is a God of and trust that that God is a God of and trust that that God is a God of justice and and he will bring his people justice and and he will bring his people justice and and he will bring his people through. And again, you you eventually through. And again, you you eventually through. And again, you you eventually get to that at the end, but but you see get to that at the end, but but you see get to that at the end, but but you see a lot of struggle going off going on in a lot of struggle going off going on in a lot of struggle going off going on in in the this memoir of Solomon's um in the this memoir of Solomon's um in the this memoir of Solomon's um because he really can't figure God out. because he really can't figure God out. because he really can't figure God out. Yeah. And this book also it has so many Yeah. And this book also it has so many Yeah. And this book also it has so many little verses or little sayings that little verses or little sayings that little verses or little sayings that people like have heard that they know, people like have heard that they know, people like have heard that they know, but they come from Ecclesiastes, right? but they come from Ecclesiastes, right? but they come from Ecclesiastes, right? So you have have verses like God has So you have have verses like God has So you have have verses like God has made everything beautiful for its own made everything beautiful for its own made everything beautiful for its own time. He's planted eternity in the time. He's planted eternity in the time. He's planted eternity in the hearts of man, right? And you have which hearts of man, right? And you have which hearts of man, right? And you have which is great and and it's one of my favorite is great and and it's one of my favorite is great and and it's one of my favorite verses. He also has has has things where verses. He also has has has things where verses. He also has has has things where he's talking about you we can't take our he's talking about you we can't take our he's talking about you we can't take our riches with us. Those who love money riches with us. Those who love money riches with us. Those who love money will never have enough. So we have you will never have enough. So we have you will never have enough. So we have you know these wisdom truths uh about us. We know these wisdom truths uh about us. We know these wisdom truths uh about us. We have so there's no use arguing with God have so there's no use arguing with God have so there's no use arguing with God about your identity like or about your about your identity like or about your about your identity like or about your destiny. Like you know we have these destiny. Like you know we have these destiny. Like you know we have these different little pieces that are thrown different little pieces that are thrown different little pieces that are thrown out there that are well known and yet out there that are well known and yet out there that are well known and yet they're coming as you said in the course

they're coming as you said in the course they're coming as you said in the course of this memoir of Solomon's unraveling a of this memoir of Solomon's unraveling a of this memoir of Solomon's unraveling a little bit which is it's such a little bit which is it's such a little bit which is it's such a fascinating case. I love it. Yeah. Yeah. fascinating case. I love it. Yeah. Yeah. fascinating case. I love it. Yeah. Yeah. And he Yeah. It's it's it's what happens And he Yeah. It's it's it's what happens And he Yeah. It's it's it's what happens when we struggle in life. I mean, when we struggle in life. I mean, when we struggle in life. I mean, we we can't put it all together, and we we can't put it all together, and we we can't put it all together, and there's some things that we say that may there's some things that we say that may there's some things that we say that may be good, but then there's some other be good, but then there's some other be good, but then there's some other things that we just we're just really things that we just we're just really things that we just we're just really struggling with. So, what does struggling with. So, what does struggling with. So, what does Ecclesiastes teach us about ourselves, Ecclesiastes teach us about ourselves, Ecclesiastes teach us about ourselves, about people? Yeah. Um, we have a about people? Yeah. Um, we have a about people? Yeah. Um, we have a tendency, even as Christians, I think, tendency, even as Christians, I think, tendency, even as Christians, I think, to get caught up in to get caught up in to get caught up in the events of the world around us, even the events of the world around us, even the events of the world around us, even in our own in our own in our own lives. and sometimes trying to figure lives. and sometimes trying to figure lives. and sometimes trying to figure out what's going out what's going out what's going on and and not trusting in God um on and and not trusting in God um on and and not trusting in God um to to help us through it and and we see to to help us through it and and we see to to help us through it and and we see the struggle. I I think a good parallel the struggle. I I think a good parallel the struggle. I I think a good parallel to what's going on in Ecclesiastes is to what's going on in Ecclesiastes is to what's going on in Ecclesiastes is Psalm 73 at the beginning Psalm 73 at the beginning Psalm 73 at the beginning because the psalmist tells us God is because the psalmist tells us God is because the psalmist tells us God is good to Israel, but I almost slipped off good to Israel, but I almost slipped off good to Israel, but I almost slipped off the path, you know, and what was the the path, you know, and what was the the path, you know, and what was the problem for him? The same thing really problem for him? The same thing really problem for him? The same thing really that Solomon's struggling with. I saw that Solomon's struggling with. I saw that Solomon's struggling with. I saw the prosperity of the the prosperity of the the prosperity of the wicked and he describes this prosperity wicked and he describes this prosperity wicked and he describes this prosperity of the wicked. And then he goes on to of the wicked. And then he goes on to of the wicked. And then he goes on to say some things that really reflect what say some things that really reflect what say some things that really reflect what we see in Ecclesiastes.

we see in Ecclesiastes. we see in Ecclesiastes. Why was I Why was I so wise? Did I Did I Why was I Why was I so wise? Did I Did I Why was I Why was I so wise? Did I Did I live in vain? If I would have taught live in vain? If I would have taught live in vain? If I would have taught this to your children, I would have I this to your children, I would have I this to your children, I would have I would have betrayed and and it just would have betrayed and and it just would have betrayed and and it just everything is weary. He's just just he everything is weary. He's just just he everything is weary. He's just just he can't put things together and and he's can't put things together and and he's can't put things together and and he's really struggling with the prosperity of really struggling with the prosperity of really struggling with the prosperity of the wicked. Well, in Psalm 73, the wicked. Well, in Psalm 73, the wicked. Well, in Psalm 73, his change comes when he goes into the his change comes when he goes into the his change comes when he goes into the temple and sees a renewed vision of who temple and sees a renewed vision of who temple and sees a renewed vision of who God is. That's what Solomon needs is is God is. That's what Solomon needs is is God is. That's what Solomon needs is is a renewed vision of God and his a renewed vision of God and his a renewed vision of God and his relationship to the world. And that relationship to the world. And that relationship to the world. And that again that comes at the end of the book. again that comes at the end of the book. again that comes at the end of the book. Um that to me is a good parallel if you Um that to me is a good parallel if you Um that to me is a good parallel if you can see the beginning part of Psalm 73 can see the beginning part of Psalm 73 can see the beginning part of Psalm 73 where the psalmist is on slippery where the psalmist is on slippery where the psalmist is on slippery ground. The wicked seem secure. He goes ground. The wicked seem secure. He goes ground. The wicked seem secure. He goes into the temple of God. He he then into the temple of God. He he then into the temple of God. He he then catches a vision again of who God is. catches a vision again of who God is. catches a vision again of who God is. And it's amazing the rest of the psalm And it's amazing the rest of the psalm And it's amazing the rest of the psalm he is on secure ground and the wicked he is on secure ground and the wicked he is on secure ground and the wicked are in slippery places. So, it's just are in slippery places. So, it's just are in slippery places. So, it's just like total change. Um, and and Solomon's like total change. Um, and and Solomon's like total change. Um, and and Solomon's at this at the at the point where where at this at the at the point where where at this at the at the point where where he's he's trying to figure it out and he's he's trying to figure it out and he's he's trying to figure it out and it's just causing all kinds of it's just causing all kinds of it's just causing all kinds of frustration. That's partly why I think frustration. That's partly why I think frustration. That's partly why I think uh at the end of the book uh at the end of the book uh at the end of the book um you you have this wise man uh warning um you you have this wise man uh warning um you you have this wise man uh warning his son uh the making of many books his son uh the making of many books his son uh the making of many books there is no end and much study is a wear there is no end and much study is a wear there is no end and much study is a wear of the flesh. I mean, you can spend so of the flesh. I mean, you can spend so of the flesh. I mean, you can spend so much time trying to figure life out and much time trying to figure life out and much time trying to figure life out and but but you you got to fear God and keep but but you you got to fear God and keep but but you you got to fear God and keep his commandments. That's the most his commandments. That's the most his commandments. That's the most important thing. Yeah. I think it's it's

important thing. Yeah. I think it's it's important thing. Yeah. I think it's it's also interesting to read this book in also interesting to read this book in also interesting to read this book in conjunction with Job. It runs it runs a conjunction with Job. It runs it runs a conjunction with Job. It runs it runs a very similar kind of where you have very similar kind of where you have very similar kind of where you have person who's all these, you know, things person who's all these, you know, things person who's all these, you know, things have happened to or person struggling. have happened to or person struggling. have happened to or person struggling. But what you don't have in Ecclesiastes, But what you don't have in Ecclesiastes, But what you don't have in Ecclesiastes, which maybe Solomon needed, I guess, was which maybe Solomon needed, I guess, was which maybe Solomon needed, I guess, was was God just coming with the beatdown of was God just coming with the beatdown of was God just coming with the beatdown of Job and just saying, "Excuse me, were Job and just saying, "Excuse me, were Job and just saying, "Excuse me, were you there when I laid the foundations of you there when I laid the foundations of you there when I laid the foundations of the earth?" I don't think so. What do the earth?" I don't think so. What do the earth?" I don't think so. What do you mean everything is meaningless and you mean everything is meaningless and you mean everything is meaningless and futile? Were you there when I created futile? Were you there when I created futile? Were you there when I created everything out of the dust and everything out of the dust and everything out of the dust and Yeah, true. Yeah, true. Yeah, true. And so I I think and again I think this And so I I think and again I think this And so I I think and again I think this book is you know can act as a bit of a book is you know can act as a bit of a book is you know can act as a bit of a mirror to us and especially I want to go mirror to us and especially I want to go mirror to us and especially I want to go back to Ecclesiastes 3 because to me back to Ecclesiastes 3 because to me back to Ecclesiastes 3 because to me that's such like such a powerful chapter that's such like such a powerful chapter that's such like such a powerful chapter and this idea of this time for and this idea of this time for and this idea of this time for everything like you know that's become everything like you know that's become everything like you know that's become almost a mantra for a lot of people. almost a mantra for a lot of people. almost a mantra for a lot of people. Well there's a time for everything under Well there's a time for everything under Well there's a time for everything under the sun. There's a time to weep and a the sun. There's a time to weep and a the sun. There's a time to weep and a time to mourn. There's a time to tear time to mourn. There's a time to tear time to mourn. There's a time to tear and a time to mend a time to be quiet and a time to mend a time to be quiet and a time to mend a time to be quiet and a time to speak. And you know, and and a time to speak. And you know, and and a time to speak. And you know, and what that I think it's such an what that I think it's such an what that I think it's such an opportunity for us that no matter what opportunity for us that no matter what opportunity for us that no matter what season we're in, if it's a season of season we're in, if it's a season of season we're in, if it's a season of struggle, if it's a season of spiritual struggle, if it's a season of spiritual struggle, if it's a season of spiritual flourishing, if it's a season of of, you flourishing, if it's a season of of, you flourishing, if it's a season of of, you know, uh, ample blessing, whatever it know, uh, ample blessing, whatever it know, uh, ample blessing, whatever it may be, that there is something for you may be, that there is something for you may be, that there is something for you in Ecclesiastes that I think is in Ecclesiastes that I think is in Ecclesiastes that I think is powerful. you know, there's that powerful. you know, there's that powerful. you know, there's that reminder of of yeah, like, you know, I reminder of of yeah, like, you know, I reminder of of yeah, like, you know, I may be feeling at the top of my game,

may be feeling at the top of my game, may be feeling at the top of my game, but there are people around me who but there are people around me who but there are people around me who aren't, and I want to be mindful of aren't, and I want to be mindful of aren't, and I want to be mindful of that. Or just mindful of yourself. Like, that. Or just mindful of yourself. Like, that. Or just mindful of yourself. Like, I remember where I was, and I'm so I remember where I was, and I'm so I remember where I was, and I'm so grateful for where I am now. And I know grateful for where I am now. And I know grateful for where I am now. And I know that these times may come again, and so that these times may come again, and so that these times may come again, and so just being mindful of that. But just being mindful of that. But just being mindful of that. But especially especially especially with Ecclesiastes 3, I think it just to with Ecclesiastes 3, I think it just to with Ecclesiastes 3, I think it just to me this chapter, it's it rings so true me this chapter, it's it rings so true me this chapter, it's it rings so true in a unique way. That idea of God in a unique way. That idea of God in a unique way. That idea of God planting eternity on the human heart planting eternity on the human heart planting eternity on the human heart that it's not just for now. It gives us that it's not just for now. It gives us that it's not just for now. It gives us an eternal perspective. And I know for an eternal perspective. And I know for an eternal perspective. And I know for Solomon, he's, you know, struggling with Solomon, he's, you know, struggling with Solomon, he's, you know, struggling with that, right, in that time, but for us, that, right, in that time, but for us, that, right, in that time, but for us, you know, it can serve as that reminder. you know, it can serve as that reminder. you know, it can serve as that reminder. That's right. too that that even if That's right. too that that even if That's right. too that that even if you're you know walking through you're you know walking through you're you know walking through struggles or trials or you're walking struggles or trials or you're walking struggles or trials or you're walking through the dark valley whatever it may through the dark valley whatever it may through the dark valley whatever it may be we have eternity to look forward to be we have eternity to look forward to be we have eternity to look forward to that we have an can have that eternal that we have an can have that eternal that we have an can have that eternal perspective in God so I think this book perspective in God so I think this book perspective in God so I think this book when it teaches us about us also is just when it teaches us about us also is just when it teaches us about us also is just this opportunity to be able to come back this opportunity to be able to come back this opportunity to be able to come back to God that even in our struggles there to God that even in our struggles there to God that even in our struggles there are these little you know truths these are these little you know truths these are these little you know truths these anchoring truths that we cling to and we anchoring truths that we cling to and we anchoring truths that we cling to and we see Solomon talking about these see Solomon talking about these see Solomon talking about these anchoring truths and then he kind of anchoring truths and then he kind of anchoring truths and then he kind of falls back into like he he has these in falls back into like he he has these in falls back into like he he has these in him. He he has these truths in him and him. He he has these truths in him and him. He he has these truths in him and then he gets weighted down again by the then he gets weighted down again by the then he gets weighted down again by the idea of futility or vanity or whatnot.

idea of futility or vanity or whatnot. idea of futility or vanity or whatnot. Yeah. Yeah. He keeps coming back to Yeah. Yeah. He keeps coming back to Yeah. Yeah. He keeps coming back to that, doesn't he? that, doesn't he? that, doesn't he? That whole thing. Yeah. Um so, so That whole thing. Yeah. Um so, so That whole thing. Yeah. Um so, so normally um as we've been as we had normally um as we've been as we had normally um as we've been as we had walked through the narrative books, the walked through the narrative books, the walked through the narrative books, the historical books, we would talk about historical books, we would talk about historical books, we would talk about some people that are mentioned. We would some people that are mentioned. We would some people that are mentioned. We would highlight two or three people. not a highlight two or three people. not a highlight two or three people. not a whole lot of people mentioned in whole lot of people mentioned in whole lot of people mentioned in Ecclesiastes. Uh so I was wondering if Ecclesiastes. Uh so I was wondering if Ecclesiastes. Uh so I was wondering if instead if you want to highlight maybe instead if you want to highlight maybe instead if you want to highlight maybe two or three verses that really stand two or three verses that really stand two or three verses that really stand out to you by which verses really ring out to you by which verses really ring out to you by which verses really ring for you as you read Ecclesiastes. for you as you read Ecclesiastes. for you as you read Ecclesiastes. Well, one one verse was really helpful Well, one one verse was really helpful Well, one one verse was really helpful to me when I was wrestling with the to me when I was wrestling with the to me when I was wrestling with the meaning, you know, of the book. How how meaning, you know, of the book. How how meaning, you know, of the book. How how should I understand this book? And and should I understand this book? And and should I understand this book? And and that's a comparison of chapter 1 that's a comparison of chapter 1 that's a comparison of chapter 1 verse3. What profit is there verse3. What profit is there verse3. What profit is there um in a person's labor? And uh let me um in a person's labor? And uh let me um in a person's labor? And uh let me let me just read it here. What does what let me just read it here. What does what let me just read it here. What does what does man what does a person gain profit? does man what does a person gain profit? does man what does a person gain profit? That's the word profit by all the toil That's the word profit by all the toil That's the word profit by all the toil at which he toils under the sun. In at which he toils under the sun. In at which he toils under the sun. In other words, is there any lasting other words, is there any lasting other words, is there any lasting benefit to our labor? He actually benefit to our labor? He actually benefit to our labor? He actually answers that question in chapter 2 answers that question in chapter 2 answers that question in chapter 2 10-11. He answers it at the end of verse 10-11. He answers it at the end of verse 10-11. He answers it at the end of verse 11 after his search here in chapter 2 11 after his search here in chapter 2 11 after his search here in chapter 2 1-10. Uh will pleasure give me meaning 1-10. Uh will pleasure give me meaning 1-10. Uh will pleasure give me meaning in life. And of course he he comes to in life. And of course he he comes to in life. And of course he he comes to the conclusion that it really doesn't.

the conclusion that it really doesn't. the conclusion that it really doesn't. But but he says in in verse 11, I But but he says in in verse 11, I But but he says in in verse 11, I considered all all that my hands had considered all all that my hands had considered all all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in done and the toil I had expended in done and the toil I had expended in doing it. Behold, all was vanity, doing it. Behold, all was vanity, doing it. Behold, all was vanity, futility, a striving after wind, chasing futility, a striving after wind, chasing futility, a striving after wind, chasing after the wind. There there was nothing after the wind. There there was nothing after the wind. There there was nothing to be gained under the sun. There there to be gained under the sun. There there to be gained under the sun. There there really is no profit, no lasting benefit really is no profit, no lasting benefit really is no profit, no lasting benefit to our labor under the sun. Yeah. Now, to our labor under the sun. Yeah. Now, to our labor under the sun. Yeah. Now, what he says in verse 10, though, was what he says in verse 10, though, was what he says in verse 10, though, was was really significant. He says, was really significant. He says, was really significant. He says, "Whatever my eyes desired, I did not "Whatever my eyes desired, I did not "Whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no keep from them. I kept my heart from no keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure. For my heart found pleasure in pleasure. For my heart found pleasure in pleasure. For my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward is all my toil, and this was my reward is all my toil, and this was my reward is the way it's translated here. for all my the way it's translated here. for all my the way it's translated here. for all my toil. It it it is a word that is used in toil. It it it is a word that is used in toil. It it it is a word that is used in the book of Ecclesiastes to refer to the the book of Ecclesiastes to refer to the the book of Ecclesiastes to refer to the calls to enjoyment. There's nothing calls to enjoyment. There's nothing calls to enjoyment. There's nothing better than to eat and drink. And better than to eat and drink. And better than to eat and drink. And basically what he says here is there's basically what he says here is there's basically what he says here is there's no lasting benefit. There's no profit to no lasting benefit. There's no profit to no lasting benefit. There's no profit to to our labor, but we might as well to our labor, but we might as well to our labor, but we might as well enjoy that which does come from our enjoy that which does come from our enjoy that which does come from our labor because it's really in his under labor because it's really in his under labor because it's really in his under the sun view. It's really all that we the sun view. It's really all that we the sun view. It's really all that we have in life. Yeah. And and that that have in life. Yeah. And and that that have in life. Yeah. And and that that was significant for me because it it was significant for me because it it was significant for me because it it showed me that the calls to enjoyment showed me that the calls to enjoyment showed me that the calls to enjoyment are significant. Yes, we should enjoy are significant. Yes, we should enjoy are significant. Yes, we should enjoy the limited benefit that comes from our the limited benefit that comes from our the limited benefit that comes from our labor, but that's not the answer that labor, but that's not the answer that labor, but that's not the answer that he's looking for. Yeah. So, so those he's looking for. Yeah. So, so those he's looking for. Yeah. So, so those verses help me kind of understand uh verses help me kind of understand uh verses help me kind of understand uh what was going on, I think, in the book.

what was going on, I think, in the book. what was going on, I think, in the book. um and that even the calls to enjoyment um and that even the calls to enjoyment um and that even the calls to enjoyment as uh helpful as they are are not the as uh helpful as they are are not the as uh helpful as they are are not the real answer to to what he's searching real answer to to what he's searching real answer to to what he's searching for. So So that was that was a a passage for. So So that was that was a a passage for. So So that was that was a a passage that those two verses that was helpful u that those two verses that was helpful u that those two verses that was helpful u helpful for me just to try to understand helpful for me just to try to understand helpful for me just to try to understand the book a little better. Well, I think the book a little better. Well, I think the book a little better. Well, I think it's helpful, right? It's like people it's helpful, right? It's like people it's helpful, right? It's like people have heard the idea, you know, eat, have heard the idea, you know, eat, have heard the idea, you know, eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow you drink, and be merry for tomorrow you drink, and be merry for tomorrow you die, right? Yeah, that goes into what die, right? Yeah, that goes into what die, right? Yeah, that goes into what you were saying if this idea of yes like you were saying if this idea of yes like you were saying if this idea of yes like you can, you know, enjoy all the you can, you know, enjoy all the you can, you know, enjoy all the pleasures of dessert but for what but pleasures of dessert but for what but pleasures of dessert but for what but ultimately they they fade. They go away. ultimately they they fade. They go away. ultimately they they fade. They go away. And I think it's interesting to tie that And I think it's interesting to tie that And I think it's interesting to tie that with what we learn, you know, learn from with what we learn, you know, learn from with what we learn, you know, learn from John's gospel about the idea of John's gospel about the idea of John's gospel about the idea of abundance from John 10:10, which is like abundance from John 10:10, which is like abundance from John 10:10, which is like a theme verse for this podcast. John a theme verse for this podcast. John a theme verse for this podcast. John 10:10, I've come so that you may have 10:10, I've come so that you may have 10:10, I've come so that you may have life and life abundantly. And that's life and life abundantly. And that's life and life abundantly. And that's the, you know, that's the counter to the, you know, that's the counter to the, you know, that's the counter to what Solomon was saying. Solomon's, I what Solomon was saying. Solomon's, I what Solomon was saying. Solomon's, I can't find anything here that really can't find anything here that really can't find anything here that really satisfies in the right way. And that's satisfies in the right way. And that's satisfies in the right way. And that's what And there we see Jesus. Well, what And there we see Jesus. Well, what And there we see Jesus. Well, that's because I'm what satisfies. I am that's because I'm what satisfies. I am that's because I'm what satisfies. I am the abundance. That's very, very true.

the abundance. That's very, very true. the abundance. That's very, very true. Yeah. I love it. Um, so Ecclesiastes, Yeah. I love it. Um, so Ecclesiastes, Yeah. I love it. Um, so Ecclesiastes, um, are there any quote unquote sticky um, are there any quote unquote sticky um, are there any quote unquote sticky parts to this book? So, is there parts to this book? So, is there parts to this book? So, is there anything, you know, that is confusing, anything, you know, that is confusing, anything, you know, that is confusing, hard to read, something that requires a hard to read, something that requires a hard to read, something that requires a little extra wrestling from this book? little extra wrestling from this book? little extra wrestling from this book? Yeah, I I think we've probably uh hit Yeah, I I think we've probably uh hit Yeah, I I think we've probably uh hit some of those already. Yeah. Um because some of those already. Yeah. Um because some of those already. Yeah. Um because he says some things that sound, you he says some things that sound, you he says some things that sound, you know, very unorthodox. There's no know, very unorthodox. There's no know, very unorthodox. There's no difference between humans and animals. difference between humans and animals. difference between humans and animals. You know, it's like, whoa, whoa, whoa. You know, it's like, whoa, whoa, whoa. You know, it's like, whoa, whoa, whoa. We know from the rest of the Bible that We know from the rest of the Bible that We know from the rest of the Bible that that that that that that that that's not true. And and we do have a that's not true. And and we do have a that's not true. And and we do have a propensity, I think, when we read propensity, I think, when we read propensity, I think, when we read Ecclesiastes. And it's a good it's a Ecclesiastes. And it's a good it's a Ecclesiastes. And it's a good it's a good thing to want to try to good thing to want to try to good thing to want to try to um maybe bring it in line with what um maybe bring it in line with what um maybe bring it in line with what other scriptures say because obviously other scriptures say because obviously other scriptures say because obviously the Bible doesn't contradict itself. But the Bible doesn't contradict itself. But the Bible doesn't contradict itself. But if we understand the context in which if we understand the context in which if we understand the context in which Solomon wrote this um then then we can Solomon wrote this um then then we can Solomon wrote this um then then we can understand that what's going on here in understand that what's going on here in understand that what's going on here in terms of his struggle. And so, you know, terms of his struggle. And so, you know, terms of his struggle. And so, you know, some of these passages, like I said some of these passages, like I said some of these passages, like I said about humans and animals, there's no about humans and animals, there's no about humans and animals, there's no difference. There's no doesn't make a difference. There's no doesn't make a difference. There's no doesn't make a difference if the wise and the righteous difference if the wise and the righteous difference if the wise and the righteous are in the hand of God. Um are some of are in the hand of God. Um are some of are in the hand of God. Um are some of those passages are I think sticky.

those passages are I think sticky. those passages are I think sticky. Chapter 9:es 7-10 is the most um Chapter 9:es 7-10 is the most um Chapter 9:es 7-10 is the most um exuberant call to enjoyment. There's exuberant call to enjoyment. There's exuberant call to enjoyment. There's even imperatives. You know, go eat your even imperatives. You know, go eat your even imperatives. You know, go eat your bread with joy, drink your wine with a bread with joy, drink your wine with a bread with joy, drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already merry heart, for God has already merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. who he approves of approved what you do. who he approves of approved what you do. who he approves of these activities. You know, let your these activities. You know, let your these activities. You know, let your garments always be white. Let not oil be garments always be white. Let not oil be garments always be white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy those things lacking on your head. Enjoy those things lacking on your head. Enjoy those things in life which you have, which you can in life which you have, which you can in life which you have, which you can enjoy life with the wife whom you love. enjoy life with the wife whom you love. enjoy life with the wife whom you love. Verse 9. But then verse 10, whatever Verse 9. But then verse 10, whatever Verse 9. But then verse 10, whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your your hand finds to do, do it with your your hand finds to do, do it with your might. For there's no work or thought or might. For there's no work or thought or might. For there's no work or thought or knowledge or knowledge or knowledge or wisdom and shield which you're going do wisdom and shield which you're going do wisdom and shield which you're going do it now. Yeah. Because darkness is coming. It's Because darkness is coming. It's like, so I mean, those are some passages like, so I mean, those are some passages like, so I mean, those are some passages that I think people struggle with if that I think people struggle with if that I think people struggle with if they're if they're thinking that when they're if they're thinking that when they're if they're thinking that when they read this memoir of Solomon that they read this memoir of Solomon that they read this memoir of Solomon that it's going to line up maybe with other it's going to line up maybe with other it's going to line up maybe with other parts of the Bible. And so it's parts of the Bible. And so it's parts of the Bible. And so it's difficult at times to sort of try to difficult at times to sort of try to difficult at times to sort of try to understand what's going on. Yeah. If you understand what's going on. Yeah. If you understand what's going on. Yeah. If you uh have a friend or somebody and you uh have a friend or somebody and you uh have a friend or somebody and you give them a Bible, maybe they've never give them a Bible, maybe they've never give them a Bible, maybe they've never read it. And read it. And read it. And uh in particularly for my my uh in particularly for my my uh in particularly for my my illustration, if you give them an an NLT illustration, if you give them an an NLT illustration, if you give them an an NLT Bible and they open up to Ecclesiastes, Bible and they open up to Ecclesiastes, Bible and they open up to Ecclesiastes, just be aware these are the headings just be aware these are the headings just be aware these are the headings that they are going to see when they that they are going to see when they that they are going to see when they open up to Ecclesiastes. Everything is open up to Ecclesiastes. Everything is open up to Ecclesiastes. Everything is meaningless. The futility of pleasure, meaningless. The futility of pleasure, meaningless. The futility of pleasure, the futility of work, the injustices of the futility of work, the injustices of the futility of work, the injustices of life, the futility of political power, life, the futility of political power, life, the futility of political power, the futility of wealth. Yes. Um, death

the futility of wealth. Yes. Um, death the futility of wealth. Yes. Um, death comes to all the wicked and the comes to all the wicked and the comes to all the wicked and the righteousness, the ironies of life, the righteousness, the ironies of life, the righteousness, the ironies of life, the uncertainties of life. So, even just the uncertainties of life. So, even just the uncertainties of life. So, even just the headings, oh yeah, are are enough to headings, oh yeah, are are enough to headings, oh yeah, are are enough to just be aware that if you're walking just be aware that if you're walking just be aware that if you're walking through the Bible with an unbeliever or through the Bible with an unbeliever or through the Bible with an unbeliever or or maybe somebody who's in a period of or maybe somebody who's in a period of or maybe somebody who's in a period of struggling in their own life, just just struggling in their own life, just just struggling in their own life, just just be aware that that you may need to be aware that that you may need to be aware that that you may need to massage that a bit and just say, "That's massage that a bit and just say, "That's massage that a bit and just say, "That's right. just just so you know this is a right. just just so you know this is a right. just just so you know this is a book about this and not just saying that book about this and not just saying that book about this and not just saying that all these things are you know true all these things are you know true all these things are you know true necess you know it's not it's it's but necess you know it's not it's it's but necess you know it's not it's it's but instead it's just saying this is what instead it's just saying this is what instead it's just saying this is what this this king was going through at the this this king was going through at the this this king was going through at the time and you can use it as an time and you can use it as an time and you can use it as an opportunity to do this compare contrast opportunity to do this compare contrast opportunity to do this compare contrast thing with the rest of scripture that's thing with the rest of scripture that's thing with the rest of scripture that's right that's right yeah and I've I've right that's right yeah and I've I've right that's right yeah and I've I've preached through the book and you can't preached through the book and you can't preached through the book and you can't leave people you can't come to the end leave people you can't come to the end leave people you can't come to the end of your sermon and leave them in the of your sermon and leave them in the of your sermon and leave them in the dark right exactly dark right exactly dark right exactly So, you have to get above the sun in So, you have to get above the sun in So, you have to get above the sun in some way. And there and there's a some way. And there and there's a some way. And there and there's a million ways you can get uh to above the million ways you can get uh to above the million ways you can get uh to above the sun perspective. I think of 1 sun perspective. I think of 1 sun perspective. I think of 1 Corinthians 15:58, you know, after the Corinthians 15:58, you know, after the Corinthians 15:58, you know, after the resurrection passage.

resurrection passage. resurrection passage. Um, immovable, steadfast, always Um, immovable, steadfast, always Um, immovable, steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for abounding in the work of the Lord, for abounding in the work of the Lord, for your labor in the Lord is not in vain. your labor in the Lord is not in vain. your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Yeah. You see, so so you've got you you Yeah. You see, so so you've got you you Yeah. You see, so so you've got you you you can help people get to a different you can help people get to a different you can help people get to a different perspective. Yeah, this book can help perspective. Yeah, this book can help perspective. Yeah, this book can help push us toward toward that that better push us toward toward that that better push us toward toward that that better way of looking at life kind of the above way of looking at life kind of the above way of looking at life kind of the above the sun approach if you will. So our the sun approach if you will. So our the sun approach if you will. So our final question that was that we always final question that was that we always final question that was that we always ask if you have spent probably countless ask if you have spent probably countless ask if you have spent probably countless hours studying the book of Ecclesiastes. hours studying the book of Ecclesiastes. hours studying the book of Ecclesiastes. So what is something that everybody So what is something that everybody So what is something that everybody should know about the book but probably should know about the book but probably should know about the book but probably doesn't? doesn't? doesn't? Yeah, I I think we've already probably Yeah, I I think we've already probably Yeah, I I think we've already probably mentioned some of those because the book mentioned some of those because the book mentioned some of those because the book just it just presents itself. It's just it just presents itself. It's just it just presents itself. It's pretty on its sleeve. Yeah, it's pretty pretty on its sleeve. Yeah, it's pretty pretty on its sleeve. Yeah, it's pretty it's it's that you know Solomon is it's it's that you know Solomon is it's it's that you know Solomon is writing this from a particular point of writing this from a particular point of writing this from a particular point of view of his life. Um I think it's view of his life. Um I think it's view of his life. Um I think it's helpful to be even to go back to what helpful to be even to go back to what helpful to be even to go back to what you had said earlier how you can almost you had said earlier how you can almost you had said earlier how you can almost pinpoint when this was being written as pinpoint when this was being written as pinpoint when this was being written as you're going through first kings like is you're going through first kings like is you're going through first kings like is you can see this parallel track of these you can see this parallel track of these you can see this parallel track of these decisions that Solomon made and then you decisions that Solomon made and then you decisions that Solomon made and then you see the outpouring of those decisions see the outpouring of those decisions see the outpouring of those decisions from Ecclesiastes. That's right. Yeah.

from Ecclesiastes. That's right. Yeah. from Ecclesiastes. That's right. Yeah. And and if and if people haven't spent a And and if and if people haven't spent a And and if and if people haven't spent a lot of time just examining the book that lot of time just examining the book that lot of time just examining the book that that's something that and the structure that's something that and the structure that's something that and the structure of the book is something that maybe of the book is something that maybe of the book is something that maybe doesn't hit you right away. You have to doesn't hit you right away. You have to doesn't hit you right away. You have to start begin reading the book and you're start begin reading the book and you're start begin reading the book and you're asking all these questions and and the asking all these questions and and the asking all these questions and and the head I kind of like the headings in NLT head I kind of like the headings in NLT head I kind of like the headings in NLT because because because very to the point. They do. Yeah, very to the point. They do. Yeah, very to the point. They do. Yeah, exactly. They are they are very to the exactly. They are they are very to the exactly. They are they are very to the point. Yeah. Well, Dr. Belture, thank point. Yeah. Well, Dr. Belture, thank point. Yeah. Well, Dr. Belture, thank you so much for helping us navigate the you so much for helping us navigate the you so much for helping us navigate the book of Ecclesiastes. I really do book of Ecclesiastes. I really do book of Ecclesiastes. I really do appreciate it. And I would ask, would appreciate it. And I would ask, would appreciate it. And I would ask, would you mind wrapping us up in prayer? you mind wrapping us up in prayer? you mind wrapping us up in prayer? Specifically, praying for people maybe Specifically, praying for people maybe Specifically, praying for people maybe they've never read Ecclesiastes, maybe they've never read Ecclesiastes, maybe they've never read Ecclesiastes, maybe they want to dive back into it now with they want to dive back into it now with they want to dive back into it now with kind of some new perspective after this kind of some new perspective after this kind of some new perspective after this conversation. Sure. Would you uh pray conversation. Sure. Would you uh pray conversation. Sure. Would you uh pray for us today? for us today? for us today? Sure. Happy to. Sure. Happy to. Sure. Happy to. Father, we thank you for your word. Um Father, we thank you for your word. Um Father, we thank you for your word. Um it hits us where we live and it deals it hits us where we live and it deals it hits us where we live and it deals with the troubles and trials and with the troubles and trials and with the troubles and trials and struggles of life. struggles of life. struggles of life. And we thank you for And we thank you for And we thank you for Ecclesiastes. And uh we pray that it Ecclesiastes. And uh we pray that it Ecclesiastes. And uh we pray that it would be used to speak to people who are would be used to speak to people who are would be used to speak to people who are in a period of struggle, a period of in a period of struggle, a period of in a period of struggle, a period of questioning. Uh we pray that you would questioning. Uh we pray that you would questioning. Uh we pray that you would use it to uh show them the truth of who use it to uh show them the truth of who use it to uh show them the truth of who you are. Uh that you are a God who is you are. Uh that you are a God who is you are. Uh that you are a God who is sovereign over our lives. You're a God sovereign over our lives. You're a God sovereign over our lives. You're a God we can trust. Um and so help people to we can trust. Um and so help people to we can trust. Um and so help people to come to know you better as they read the come to know you better as they read the come to know you better as they read the book of Ecclesiastes. And we thank you book of Ecclesiastes. And we thank you book of Ecclesiastes. And we thank you for Christ. We thank you for um all that

for Christ. We thank you for um all that for Christ. We thank you for um all that he has accomplished for us. And we pray he has accomplished for us. And we pray he has accomplished for us. And we pray that you would continue to pour out your that you would continue to pour out your that you would continue to pour out your blessing uh upon u Jason's ministry and blessing uh upon u Jason's ministry and blessing uh upon u Jason's ministry and um and and all that we would do for you. um and and all that we would do for you. um and and all that we would do for you. We thank you in Jesus name. Amen. We thank you in Jesus name. Amen. We thank you in Jesus name. Amen. [Music]