OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES
Introduction:
“This is the book of man “under the sun,” reasoning about life; it is the best man can do, with the knowledge that there is a holy God, and that He will bring every-thing into judgment. The key phrases are “under the sun;” “I perceived”; “I said in my heart.” Inspiration sets down accurately what passes, but the conclusions and reasonings are, after all, man’s. That those conclusions are just in declaring it “vanity” in view of judgment, to devote life to earthly things, is surely true; but the “conclusion” (Ecclesiastes 12.13) is legal, the best that man apart from redemption can do, and does not anticipate the Gospel.” — Scofield.
For a more extensive and interesting introduction to this book see Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
Name: Borrowed from the Septuagint. In the Hebrew Bible it is called “Koheleth.” The meaning of this word is somewhat disputed, but it is rendered in the English version Preacher, or one who addresses an assembly.
Authorship: Solomon, Ecclesiastes 1:1-2. Many of the experiences related seem to correspond to those likely to have happened in his life, judging from the bare outline of his history found in the Bible.
Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Key Words: “Vanity,” and “under the sun,” —each expression occurs more than twenty-five times.
Contents:
“The general scope and design of it is to expose the vanity of all worldly enjoyments; to show that a man’s happiness does not lie in natural wisdom and knowledge; nor in worldly wealth; nor in civil honor, power, and authority; nor in the mere externals of religion; but in the fear of God, and the worship of him. It encourages men to a free use of the good things of life in a moderate way, with thankfulness to God; to submit with cheerfulness to adverse dispensations of Providence; to fear God and honor the king; to be dutiful to civil magistrates, and kind to the poor; to expect a future state, and an awful judgment; with many other useful things.” —John Gill’s Expositor.
At last he seems to emerge from his speculations and doubts, and reaches the noble conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.”
A Brief Summary of the Book:
Chapters 1-2:
1) Introduction. Reflection of the monotonous round of life, Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.
2) The Search of the natural man for his satisfaction and happiness. .
a. It is NOT to be found in the acquisition of wisdom, Ecclesiastes 1:12-18.
b. It is NOT to be found in worldly pleasure, Ecclesiastes 2:1-3.
c. It is NOT to be found in art or agriculture, Ecclesiastes 2:4-6.
d. It is NOT to be found in great possessions, Ecclesiastes 2:7-11.
3) Conclusions:
a. The wise man is superior to the fool, Ecclesiastes 2:12-21.
b. There is nothing better than to eat and drink “that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour,” but not in an immoderate and voluptuous manner, like the epicure and the atheist, Ecclesiastes 2:24-26.
Chapter 3: The natural man’s view of the weary round of life.
1) There is a time for everything, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
2) The conclusion “that a man should rejoice in his own works,” Ecclesiastes 3:13-22.
Chapter 4:
1) The study of the Social Evils apart from faith, Ecclesiastes 4:1-15.
2) Conclusion, all is vanity and vexation of spirit, Ecclesiastes 4:16.
Chapter 5:
1) Some rules and directions concerning the worship of God, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.
2) The vanity of riches, Ecclesiastes 5:9-17.
3) The conclusion is, —“To make use of the creatures God has given for service in a free and liberal manner, without excess, and with moderation; and not deprive a man’s self of those things he may lawfully partake of, and are necessary for him: to do this is good for himself, and for the health of his body; and is right in the sight of God, and is comely before men; it is not only lawful, but laudable.” —John Gill’s Expositor. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20.
Chapter 6: The vanity of long life, Ecclesiastes 6:3-12.
Chapter 7:
1) A series of wise sayings, Ecclesiastes 7:1-24.
2) Conclusions concerning the evil woman, Ecclesiastes 7:25-28.
Chapter 8:
1) Civil duties, Ecclesiastes 8:1-5.
2) The uncertainty of life, Ecclesiastes 8:6-8.
3) The certainty of Divine judgment and the injustices of life, Ecclesiastes 8:10-14.
4) Epicurean (a person dedicated to sensual enjoyment) conclusion, Ecclesiastes 8:15.
5) The work of God and man, Ecclesiastes 8:16-17.
Chapter 9:
1) Like things happen to the righteous and the wicked, Ecclesiastes 9:1-9.
a. Death is certain, it is the demerit of sin, the appointment of God and the time of it is fixed.
b. Man is a creature of circumstances.
2) If a man has a wife he ought to love her as his own flesh, to take delight in her company, be pleasant with her, and rejoice in her, v. 9; Proverbs 5:18-19.
3) Wisdom is preeminent though often unappreciated, Ecclesiastes 9:13-18.
Chapter 10: Various wise sayings, the contrast between wisdom and folly, &c.
Chapter 11:
1) Advices concerning benevolences, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6.
2) Advice to the young, Ecclesiastes 11:9-10.
Chapter 12:
1) The troubles and inconveniences of old age, Ecclesiastes 12:1-7.
2) The closing words of the preacher and the final conclusion concerning the highest duty of man, Ecclesiastes 12:8-14.