Title and Author: The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. The title "Ecclesiastes" is derived from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word "Qoheleth," which means "Teacher" or "Preacher." Solomon is believed to have written this book in his later years, reflecting on his life experiences and the pursuit of meaning.

Historical Context: Ecclesiastes was likely written during the 10th century BC, a time of great prosperity and peace in Israel under Solomon's reign. This period allowed Solomon to explore various philosophies and lifestyles, which are reflected in the book's contemplative nature.

Audience: The primary audience of Ecclesiastes was the people of Israel. However, its universal themes of life's meaning and the pursuit of fulfillment make it relevant to all humanity.

Purpose: The purpose of Ecclesiastes is to explore the meaning of life and the best way to live. It examines the futility of worldly pursuits and emphasizes the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments.

Genre and Style: Ecclesiastes is a work of wisdom literature, characterized by its philosophical reflections, poetic language, and use of proverbs.1. The Teacher/Preacher (Qoheleth) (Ecclesiastes 1:1)
- The central figure and presumed author of Ecclesiastes, often identified as King Solomon. He is described as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem" and is known for his wisdom and reflections on the meaning of life.

2. David (Ecclesiastes 1:1)
- Mentioned as the father of the Teacher. David was the second king of Israel and a significant figure in the Bible, known for his leadership and psalms.

3. The King (Ecclesiastes 1:12)
- Refers to the Teacher himself, who claims to have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. This is often interpreted as a reference to Solomon, who was known for his wealth, wisdom, and extensive building projects.

4. The Sons of Men (Ecclesiastes 1:13)
- A general term used to refer to humanity or people in general. The Teacher speaks of observing the activities and labors of mankind.

5. The Wise (Ecclesiastes 2:14)
- Refers to those who possess wisdom and understanding. The Teacher contrasts the wise with fools, noting the advantages and limitations of wisdom.

6. The Fool (Ecclesiastes 2:14)
- Represents those who lack wisdom and understanding. The Teacher often compares the outcomes of the wise and the foolish.

7. The Rich (Ecclesiastes 5:12)
- Refers to those who have wealth. The Teacher discusses the burdens and responsibilities that come with riches.

8. The Poor (Ecclesiastes 5:8)
- Represents those who lack material wealth. The Teacher observes the oppression and injustices faced by the poor.

9. The King (again) (Ecclesiastes 8:2)
- Mentioned in the context of obeying the king's command. This is a general reference to the authority and power of a king, not specifically Solomon.

10. The Dead (Ecclesiastes 9:5)
- Refers to those who have passed away. The Teacher reflects on the state of the dead and the living, noting that the dead know nothing.

11. The Living (Ecclesiastes 9:5)
- Represents those who are alive. The Teacher contrasts the awareness and experiences of the living with those of the dead.1. Jerusalem (Ecclesiastes 1:1)
- Description: Jerusalem is the city where "The Teacher" claims to have been king. It is the capital of ancient Israel and a central location for Jewish worship and governance. The mention of Jerusalem sets the context for the author's reflections, indicating a position of authority and wisdom.

2. Under the Sun (Ecclesiastes 1:3)
- Description: While not a specific geographical location, "under the sun" is a recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes that refers to the earthly realm and human life. It symbolizes the temporal and often futile nature of human endeavors and is used to frame the observations and reflections throughout the book.1. Introduction and Theme of Vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2)
- The book opens with the declaration that "Everything is futile," setting the tone for the exploration of life's meaning and the repetitive nature of human endeavors.

2. The Cycles of Nature (Ecclesiastes 1:3-11)
- The author observes the endless cycles of nature, such as the rising and setting of the sun and the flow of rivers, to illustrate the repetitive and seemingly meaningless nature of life.

3. The Pursuit of Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)
- Solomon describes his quest for wisdom and knowledge, concluding that increased wisdom leads to increased sorrow, as it reveals the futility of human efforts.

4. The Futility of Pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11)
- The author recounts his pursuit of pleasure through wealth, entertainment, and accomplishments, ultimately finding them to be meaningless and unsatisfying.

5. The Inevitability of Death (Ecclesiastes 2:12-17)
- Reflecting on the fate of both the wise and the foolish, the author notes that death comes to all, rendering human achievements ultimately futile.

6. The Toil of Labor (Ecclesiastes 2:18-26)
- The author laments the toil of labor, questioning the value of hard work when its fruits may be left to someone who did not earn them.

7. A Time for Everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
- This famous passage lists various seasons and times for different activities, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the divine timing of events.

8. The Mystery of God's Plan (Ecclesiastes 3:9-15)
- The author acknowledges that God's plan is beyond human understanding, and that people should find contentment in their work as a gift from God.

9. Injustice and Oppression (Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3)
- Observations of injustice and oppression in the world lead to reflections on the apparent lack of divine justice and the suffering of the oppressed.

10. The Value of Companionship (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
- The author highlights the benefits of companionship, noting that two are better than one for support, warmth, and strength.

11. The Vanity of Political Power (Ecclesiastes 4:13-16)
- A reflection on the fleeting nature of political power and popularity, illustrating the transient nature of human achievements.

12. The Importance of Reverence for God (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)
- The author advises careful and sincere worship, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling vows to God and the futility of empty words.

13. The Futility of Wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:8-20)
- Observations on the insatiable nature of wealth and the inability of riches to bring true satisfaction or security.

14. The Uncertainty of Life (Ecclesiastes 6:1-12)
- The author reflects on the unpredictability of life and the inability of wealth or long life to guarantee happiness.

15. Wisdom and Folly (Ecclesiastes 7:1-14)
- A series of proverbs contrasting wisdom and folly, emphasizing the value of wisdom in navigating life's challenges.

16. The Limits of Human Understanding (Ecclesiastes 7:15-29)
- The author acknowledges the limitations of human wisdom and the complexity of understanding righteousness and wickedness.

17. The Unpredictability of Life (Ecclesiastes 8:1-17)
- Reflections on the unpredictability of life and the inability to fully comprehend God's work or the timing of events.

18. The Certainty of Death (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)
- The inevitability of death for all, regardless of righteousness or wickedness, and the encouragement to enjoy life while it lasts.

19. The Value of Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:20)
- A series of observations and proverbs highlighting the practical benefits of wisdom and the dangers of folly.

20. The Uncertainty of the Future (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)
- Encouragement to take action and make the most of opportunities, despite the uncertainty of future outcomes.

21. Advice for the Young (Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8)
- Counsel for the young to enjoy life responsibly, remembering their Creator before the difficulties of old age set in.

22. Conclusion: Fear God and Keep His Commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)
- The book concludes with the ultimate advice to "Fear God and keep His commandments," as this is the duty of all humanity, and a reminder that God will judge every deed.1. The Futility of Life ("Vanity of Vanities")
The book opens with the declaration that life is ultimately meaningless or futile, as everything is transient and repetitive. This theme is a recurring motif throughout the text.
(Ecclesiastes 1:2: "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!")

2. The Cyclical Nature of Life
Life is depicted as a series of repetitive cycles, with natural phenomena and human activities recurring endlessly, suggesting a lack of progress or ultimate purpose.
(Ecclesiastes 1:4-7: "Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.")

3. The Pursuit of Wisdom and Knowledge
The Teacher explores the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, ultimately finding it to be a source of grief and frustration, as it does not provide ultimate answers or satisfaction.
(Ecclesiastes 1:13-18: "For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.")

4. The Inevitability of Death
Death is a great equalizer, rendering all human efforts and achievements ultimately meaningless, as both the wise and the foolish meet the same end.
(Ecclesiastes 2:14-16: "The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both.")

5. The Limitations of Pleasure and Wealth
The Teacher examines the pursuit of pleasure, wealth, and material success, concluding that these too are ultimately futile and do not lead to lasting fulfillment.
(Ecclesiastes 2:1-11: "I said to myself, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!' But it proved to be futile.")

6. The Unpredictability of Life
Life is unpredictable and often unjust, with events not always aligning with human expectations or efforts. This theme highlights the limitations of human control.
(Ecclesiastes 9:11: "I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong...")

7. The Value of Moderation and Contentment
The Teacher advises finding contentment in simple pleasures and the fruits of one's labor, as these are gifts from God and provide a measure of joy amidst life's uncertainties.
(Ecclesiastes 3:12-13: "I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.")

8. The Fear of God
Despite life's uncertainties and apparent futility, the Teacher concludes that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the ultimate duty of humanity, providing a sense of purpose and moral direction.
(Ecclesiastes 12:13: "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.")1. The Preacher (Qoheleth)
- Description: The term "Preacher" or "Teacher" is used to describe the author of Ecclesiastes, who seeks to impart wisdom and understanding about life. This role can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate teacher and source of divine wisdom.
- Reference: Ecclesiastes 1:1 - "The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem."

2. The Wisdom of God
- Description: Ecclesiastes emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, which is ultimately found in God. Jesus is often identified as the embodiment of divine wisdom in the New Testament.
- Reference: Ecclesiastes 2:26 - "For to the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy..."

3. The Shepherd
- Description: The book concludes with a reference to the "one Shepherd," which can be interpreted as a type of Christ, who is often referred to as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament.
- Reference: Ecclesiastes 12:11 - "The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd."

4. The Judge
- Description: Ecclesiastes speaks of God as the ultimate judge who will bring every deed into judgment. This foreshadows Christ's role as the judge of the living and the dead.
- Reference: Ecclesiastes 12:14 - "For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil."

5. The Giver of Life
- Description: The book reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the gift of life itself, which is ultimately given by God. In Christian theology, Jesus is seen as the source of eternal life.
- Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men..."1. Prophecy of the Futility of Human Endeavors (Ecclesiastes 1:2): "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!"
- This theme is reflected throughout the book, emphasizing the temporary and often meaningless nature of human efforts without a divine perspective.

2. Prophecy of the Cyclical Nature of Life (Ecclesiastes 1:9): "What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."
- This observation suggests a repetitive cycle in human history and endeavors, which can be seen as a reflection on the predictability of human behavior over time.

3. Prophecy of the Inevitability of Death (Ecclesiastes 3:19-20): "For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of animals are the same. As one dies, so dies the other; they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, for everything is futile. All go to one place; all come from dust, and to dust all return."
- This reflection on mortality underscores the universal nature of death, a theme that resonates with the human experience across generations.

4. Prophecy of the Value of Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 7:12): "For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner."
- While acknowledging the limitations of human wisdom, Ecclesiastes also highlights its protective and life-preserving qualities.

5. Prophecy of the Uncertainty of Life (Ecclesiastes 9:11): "I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all."
- This reflection on the unpredictability of life events suggests that human control is limited, and outcomes are often subject to chance.

6. Prophecy of the Call to Enjoy Life (Ecclesiastes 9:7): "Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved your works."
- Despite the book's often somber tone, there is an encouragement to find joy in the simple pleasures of life, recognizing them as gifts from God.

7. Prophecy of the Fear of God (Ecclesiastes 12:13): "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
- The book concludes with a call to reverence and obedience to God, framing it as the ultimate purpose and duty of human life.

1. Introduction  ( 1:1⁠–⁠11 )

a. Introduction to The Teacher  ( 1:1 )

b. Everything is Futile  ( 1:2⁠–⁠11 )

2. The Teacher’s Investigation  ( 1:12⁠–⁠6:12 )

a. With Wisdom Comes Sorrow  ( 1:12⁠–⁠18 )

b. The Futility of Pleasure  ( 2:1⁠–⁠11 )

c. The Wise and the Foolish  ( 2:12⁠–⁠17 )

d. The Futility of Labor and Reward  ( 2:18⁠–⁠6:12 )

i. The Futility of Work  ( 2:18⁠–⁠26 )

ii. To Everything There Is a Season  ( 3:1⁠–⁠8 )

iii. God’s Works Remain Forever  ( 3:9⁠–⁠15 )

iv. From Dust to Dust  ( 3:16⁠–⁠22 )

v. The Evil of Oppression  ( 4:1⁠–⁠12 )

vi. The Futility of Power  ( 4:13⁠–⁠16 )

vii. Approaching God with Awe  ( 5:1⁠–⁠7 )

viii. The Futility of Wealth  ( 5:8⁠–⁠20 )

ix. The Futility of Life  ( 6:1⁠–⁠12 )

3. The Teacher’s Conclusions  ( 7:1⁠–⁠12:14 )

a. The Value of Wisdom  ( 7:1⁠–⁠14 )

b. The Limits of Human Wisdom  ( 7:15⁠–⁠29 )

c. The Wise Man and the King  ( 8:1⁠–⁠17 )

i. Obey the King  ( 8:1⁠–⁠9 )

ii. Fear God  ( 8:10⁠–⁠13 )

iii. God’s Ways Are Mysterious  ( 8:14⁠–⁠17 )

d. Life Is Fleeting  ( 9:1⁠–⁠11:10 )

i. Death Comes to Good and Bad  ( 9:1⁠–⁠6 )

ii. Enjoy Your Portion in This Life  ( 9:7⁠–⁠12 )

iii. Wisdom Is Better than Strength  ( 9:13⁠–⁠18 )

iv. Wisdom and Folly  ( 10:1⁠–⁠20 )

v. Cast Your Bread upon the Waters  ( 11:1⁠–⁠6 )

vi. Enjoy Your years  ( 11:7⁠–⁠10 )

e. Final Conclusions  ( 12:1⁠–⁠14 )

i. Remember Your Creator  ( 12:1⁠–⁠8 )

ii. The Whole Duty of Man  ( 12:9⁠–⁠14 )