Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary: Commentary

von Knut Martin Heim

Verlag:

Inter-Varsity

, 2019

Overview

The book of Ecclesiastes is probably best known for its repeated refrain that “everything is meaningless,” or “vanity.” However, a thorough reading demonstrates that this is not its final conclusion. Knut Heim’s Tyndale commentary shows that the book is intellectually sophisticated, theologically rich, emotionally deep—and full of humor. While it is realistic about life, it is life-affirming and immensely practical. It is also politically engaged, presenting its critique of a repressive foreign regime in an entertaining and thought-provoking way.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Jarick’s comparison lends weight to the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes as political satire presented in the present commentary.” (Page 3)

“Richard Hess considers the book a possible stepping stone towards faith” (Page 4)

“‘Qoheleth’ appears only in this book, and its particular form, a feminine singular participle, identifies his professional or well-established social role as a speaker at group gatherings. The designation is an overtly fictitious name, a pseudonym (Longman 1998: 4) to ensure the speaker’s anonymity.” (Page 2)

“the author was Solomon, the son of David, who was king over all Israel in Jerusalem from 971 to 931 bc” (Page 1)

“His sharp tongue combined these rhetorical weapons in a new way to fight a guerrilla war of the mind. With 4,170 words in the 222 verses of the book, a performance of the whole would have lasted about forty minutes.” (Page 8)