The author identified himself by his titles (cf. Proverbs 1:1). These titles, as well as other references to the writer in the book (cf. Ecclesiastes 1:12; Ecclesiastes 1:16; Ecclesiastes 2:4-9), point to Solomon more than to any other person. [1] Later he claimed divine authority for this book ( Ecclesiastes 12:1). [source][source][source]
The term "Preacher" (Heb. qohelet, NIV "Teacher") refers to a wise sage who taught the Israelites God"s will. Along with the priests and prophets, the teachers were those through whom God communicated His Word to His people (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:9; Jeremiah 18:18; Ezekiel 7:26). Teaching typically appeals to the mind, and its main purpose is to impart information, whereas preaching typically appeals to the will, and its main purpose is to promote action. In Israel, the priests were primarily the teachers, and the prophets were primarily the preachers. In most modern church services-and this was true in Israel as well-speakers often seek to combine teaching and preaching. This is especially true in expository preaching. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 - The Testimony Of An Unsatisfied Soul
All is vanity! This cry finds an echo in human hearts of every age and clime. Clod meant man to be happy. "These things," said our Lord, "I have spoken to you, that your joy may be full." "The fruit of the Spirit is joy." Yet the air is laden with complaint and bitterness. Men are asking constantly, "Is life worth living?" The present age is full of unrest and weariness, of war and strife, of unsatisfied yearnings and desires. The mistake is that men seek to solve the mystery of life and to find their happiness apart from God, who has made us for Himself.
This book was written and incorporated in the Bible to show that man's quest for happiness is vain, so long as it is apart from God. Solomon had unbounded opportunities for pursuing his quest. Youth, wealth, wisdom, royalty, human love were his, but when all were mixed in the golden cup of his life, he turned from the draught unsatisfied and sad. Listen to the sigh of the sated voluptuary: Vanity of vanities! Let us turn from these bitter experiences to 1 John 2:15-17. [source]
Chapter Summary: Ecclesiastes 1
1the preacher shows that all human courses are vain 4because the creatures are restless in their courses 9they bring forth nothing new, and all old things are forgotten 12and because he has found it so in the studies of wisdom
What do the individual words in Ecclesiastes 1:1 mean?
The wordsof the Teacherthe sonof Davidkingin Jerusalem
Parse: Preposition-b, Proper Noun, feminine singular
Root: יְרוּשָׁלַםִ
Sense: the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
What are the major concepts related to Ecclesiastes 1:1?