◄ Ecclesiastes 1:1 ►
These are the words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:
Study Bible
The words
The phrase "The words" introduces the book as a collection of sayings or teachings. In Hebrew, the term used is "דִּבְרֵי" (divrei), which can mean words, sayings, or matters. This sets the tone for Ecclesiastes as a book of wisdom literature, similar to Proverbs, where the focus is on imparting knowledge and understanding. The emphasis on "words" highlights the importance of communication and the transmission of wisdom from one generation to another.

of the Teacher
The Hebrew word here is "קֹהֶלֶת" (Qoheleth), often translated as "Teacher" or "Preacher." This term is unique to Ecclesiastes and suggests someone who gathers an assembly, possibly for the purpose of teaching or sharing wisdom. The role of the Teacher is to explore life's meaning and to impart insights gained through experience and reflection. The Teacher's authority is derived not only from his wisdom but also from his position as a leader and guide.

son of David
This phrase identifies the Teacher as a descendant of King David, linking him to the Davidic line and the royal heritage of Israel. Historically, this connection is significant because it associates the Teacher with the wisdom and authority of Solomon, David's son, who is traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes. The Davidic lineage underscores the Teacher's legitimacy and the weight of his insights.

king in Jerusalem
The designation "king in Jerusalem" situates the Teacher within a specific historical and geographical context. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel and the center of Jewish worship, symbolizes both political power and spiritual significance. As king, the Teacher possesses not only authority but also the resources and experiences that come with ruling a nation. This position allows him to speak with authority on matters of life, governance, and spirituality, drawing from a wealth of personal and political experience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Teacher (Qoheleth)
The term "Teacher" is translated from the Hebrew word "Qoheleth," which means "one who assembles" or "preacher." This title is traditionally attributed to Solomon, known for his wisdom and reflective writings.

2. Son of David
This phrase identifies the Teacher as a descendant of King David, linking the author to the Davidic line, which is significant in biblical history and prophecy.

3. King in Jerusalem
This specifies the Teacher's role and location, emphasizing his authority and the centrality of Jerusalem in Israel's spiritual and political life.
Teaching Points
The Pursuit of Wisdom
The introduction of Ecclesiastes invites us to seek wisdom, understanding that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

The Importance of Heritage
Recognizing the Teacher as a "son of David" reminds us of the importance of spiritual heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises through generations.

Authority and Responsibility
As "king in Jerusalem," the Teacher's words carry authority. We are reminded of our own responsibilities in positions of influence and leadership.

The Centrality of Jerusalem
Jerusalem is not just a physical location but a symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people. Our lives should be centered around God's presence and promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the Teacher as Solomon influence your interpretation of Ecclesiastes?

2. In what ways can we apply the pursuit of wisdom in our daily lives, and how does this align with the teachings of Proverbs?

3. How does recognizing our spiritual heritage impact our identity and purpose as Christians?

4. What responsibilities do we have in our own "Jerusalem" or spheres of influence, and how can we fulfill them faithfully?

5. How can the themes introduced in Ecclesiastes 1:1 guide us in understanding the broader message of the book and its relevance to contemporary life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 3: Solomon's Wisdom
This passage describes Solomon's request for wisdom from God, which is foundational to understanding his role as the Teacher in Ecclesiastes.

Proverbs 1:1-7: The Fear of the Lord
These verses introduce the Proverbs of Solomon, highlighting the theme of wisdom and the fear of the Lord, which is echoed in Ecclesiastes.

Matthew 12:42: The Queen of the South
Jesus refers to Solomon's wisdom, affirming his historical and spiritual significance.
Sermons
The Great DebateJ. M. Gibbon.Ecclesiastes 1:1
The Words of the PreacherJ. Parker, D. D.Ecclesiastes 1:1
The Summary of a Life's ExperienceJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
People
David, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
David, Jerusalem, Koheleth, Preacher
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

     4019   life, believers' experience

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

     5916   pessimism
     8779   materialism, nature of

Library
Two views of Life
'This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man, to be exercised therewith.--ECCLES. i. 13. 'He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.'--HEBREWS xii. 10. These two texts set before us human life as it looks to two observers. The former admits that God shapes it; but to him it seems sore travail, the expenditure of much trouble and efforts; the results of which seem to be nothing beyond profitless exercise. There is an immense activity and nothing to show for it at the end …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Past and the Future
'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall he; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.'--ECCLES. i. 9. 'That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles.'--l PETER iv. 2, 3. If you will look at these two passages carefully you will, I think, see that they imply two different, and in some respects …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eusebius' Birth and Training. His Life in Cæsarea Until the Outbreak of the Persecution.
Our author was commonly known among the ancients as Eusebius of Cæsarea or Eusebius Pamphili. The former designation arose from the fact that he was bishop of the church in Cæsarea for many years; the latter from the fact that he was the intimate friend and devoted admirer of Pamphilus, a presbyter of Cæsarea and a martyr. Some such specific appellation was necessary to distinguish him from others of the same name. Smith and Wace's Dictionary of Christian Biography mentions 137 …
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

Introduction to vita S. Antoni.
(Written between 356 and 362) The Life of St. Antony is included in the present collection partly on account of the important influence it has exercised upon the development of the ascetic life in the Church, partly and more especially on the ground of its strong claim to rank as a work of Athanasius. If that claim were undisputed, no apology would be needed for its presence in this volume. If on the other hand its spurious and unhistorical character had been finally demonstrated, its insertion would …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Literature.
In making the following thread to the rich literature on Constantine the plan has been to confine almost wholly to Monographs, since to refer to all histories, encyclopædias, and the like which treat of him would be endless. Only such few analyzed references are introduced as have special reasons. Even with this limit it cannot be at all hoped that the list is exhaustive. Considerable pains has been taken, however, to make it full, as there is no really extended modern list of works on Constantine, …
Eusebius Pamphilius—The Life of Constantine

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
It is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18; and the knowledge of him being life eternal, John xvii. 3, and our measure of knowledge of him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part, it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desirable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. Knowledge must be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christian …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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