Ecclesiastes 1:1-3
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:1 Introduction and Theme. The speaker introduces himself and his theme. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:1 Introduction and Theme. The speaker introduces himself and his theme. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:2 VANITY OF VANITIES! ALL IS VANITY. This important thematic word occurs frequently throughout the book. As the book progresses, its meaning becomes clear (see Introduction: Key Themes). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=i... [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:3 WHAT DOES MAN GAIN? This repeated question (Ecclesiastes 3:9; Ecclesiastes 5:15; compare Ecclesiastes 2:11) comes out of the Preacher’s realization that “all is vanity.” If life frequently makes no sense and pleasures and achievements are fleeting, is there any... [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:4 First Catalog of “Vanities.” The Preacher gives specific examples to prove his belief that all is “vanity.” ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:11 THERE IS NO REMEMBRANCE OF FORMER THINGS, NOR... OF LATER THINGS. The writer-Preacher believes that few people have any significant impact on the course of world history (see esv footnote). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0,... [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:13 UNHAPPY BUSINESS. For some reason unknown to the Preacher, God ordains that mankind should endure painful experiences in this present fallen world. The phrase UNDER HEAVEN is interchangeable with “under the sun” (v. Ecclesiastes 1:14, etc.). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images =... [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:14 The Preacher examined everything UNDER THE SUN. However, he is unable to understand it all. He concludes that everything is VANITY AND A STRIVING AFTER WIND. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:15 CROOKED here means “unknowable.” There will always be aspects of life in a fallen world that remain mysterious. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:16 SURPASSING ALL WHO WERE OVER JERUSALEM BEFORE ME. If anyone possessed the wisdom to grasp the meaning of life, it was the Preacher. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:17 As part of his quest TO KNOW WISDOM, the Preacher also seeks to understand MADNESS AND FOLLY. Apparently he believes that he can better understand wisdom if he also understands its opposite. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0... [ Continue Reading ]
ECCLESIASTES—NOTE ON ECCLESIASTES 1:18 WISDOM is a mixed blessing. In the process of gaining wisdom one also gains a clearer view into the tragedies of life. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]