The Book of Ecclesiastes
Author	Solomon
Date Written	Between 940 and 935 BC
Time Span	Unknown (probably the latter years of Solomon's reign).
Title	This title from the Greek means "preacher"
Background	Though the author has a life full of pleasures, wealth, power, and prestige...he still seeks happiness. The majority of Ecclesiastes is probably written as Solomon analyzes past failures and apostasy in his life.
Where Written	Jerusalem.
To Whom	Primarily to young people and to those considered "pupils of the elders."
Content	The book of Ecclesiastes begins with the author sharing his reasons for viewing life as meaningless, futile, and full of vanity. His thoughts contend that despite man's labor, attainments, popularity, or possessions...death awaits all. He realizes that there is a time and a season for all things, but does not know how man can fully understand when these times are relevant. This confession of pessimism eventually gives way to the truth that there is no joy for man apart from his Creator. The author realizes and enthusiastically proclaims the answer: satisfaction, meaning, and happiness do not come from the attainments of life...but from the Lord of life.
Themes	Earthly goals apart from God will not bring us happiness. Money, Fame, Power, Accomplishments, Human wisdom will not bring us happiness. A life that is totally submissive and devoted to God will bring happiness. A youthful life obedient to God will bring joy to our latter years...a youthful life disobedient to God will bring sorrow to our latter years. We ought to enjoy life even though at times we will have troubles. The closer we walk with God, the more aware we become of His blessings in our lives. Today could be our last on this earth...we should view it as a precious gift from God.
Key Words	"Vanity"; "Ambitions." Without God, there is no sense to be made out of our lives. All is "vanity," emptiness, and hopelessness. Our earthly "ambitions" will continually frustrate and disappoint us if we seek them as an end to themselves.
Outline	1:1- 2:26  Search for the meaning of life. 3:1- 3:22  A time for everything. 4:1- 8:17  Disappointments and inequalities of life. 9:1-12: 8  God's fairness to all. 12:9-12:14  Conclusion: Fear God and keep His commandments.
More	Audio of the Book of Ecclesiastes

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