Why read this book?
If the deep and perplexing issues of life intrigue you, take a look at Ecclesiastes—but be prepared for a few surprises. On the surface, Ecclesiastes seems to challenge essential Biblical truths. It dares to face hard questions. It shows the harsh reality of a sinful world and offers a glimpse at the secular mind. It looks at suffering and struggles to find meaning in it all—and sometimes finds there is no meaning. Ecclesiastes offers the conclusion of the matter (12:13).
Who wrote this book?
Solomon, according to tradition, though many now doubt his authorship. Some believe the writer was an unnamed teacher or assembly leader who merely played the role of a king (1:1). Others say a wise man collected the views of the Teacher as a means to instruct his son (12:11–12).
When was it written?
It is unknown. Those who think Solomon wrote it place its writing in the tenth century BC. Others think it was compiled some time later.
Why was it written?
Ecclesiastes offers a philosophy of life. It shows how a life not centered on God is purposeless and meaningless. Ecclesiastes, which is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, was used by the Hebrews as a book of instruction. It showed them how to find spiritual significance in a life that would otherwise be meaningless (12:8, 13).
What to look for in Ecclesiastes:
Expect surprises. Ecclesiastes has lots of them: honest confessions of doubts, struggles with faith, and disillusionment. A prologue (1:1–11) and an epilogue (12:9–14) frame its contents to reveal a proper, God-fearing attitude toward life. Watch out for isolated statements; they must be understood within the context of the whole book and, ultimately, the context of the whole Bible.
