Ecclesiastes
Purpose
Reflects on the vanity of life "under the sun" and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is man's whole duty.
Author
Traditionally Solomon ("the Preacher," Qoheleth)
Time Period
Traditionally c. 935 BC
Key Themes
- Vanity
- Meaning under the sun
- Mortality
- Enjoyment of God's gifts
- Fear of God
Outline
The thesis: all is vanity (ch. 1-2); reflections on time, injustice, wealth, and death (ch. 3-11); the conclusion: fear God (ch. 12).