Ecclesiastes 1-6 Summary

1. 1:3-11 Topic: Cycle of life and death

   1. Hevel: Life is fleeting

2. 1:12-18 Topic: Wisdom is meaningless

   1. In 1:13, He devoted himself to seek out all that is done by wisdom

   2. Wisdom cannot change anything

3. 2:1-11 Topic: To have pleasure is meaningless

   1. Work itself is satisfying

   2. Achievement itself is meaningless

4. 2:12-16 Topic: Folly and the problem of death

   1. Holaylot (הוֹלֵל֖וֹת ) irrational aspect of sin

5. 2:17-26 Topic: You have to find meaning in your work

   1. Anxious labor is bad

6. 3:1-22 Topic: Everything has its’ time

   1. There are seasons to life

   2. What is the gain of toil?

7. 4:1-6 Topic: Oppression and achievement

   1. Because we are oppressed, it is better not to have been born

   2. Achievement springs from envy

8. 4:7-12 Topic: Toiling alone is meaningless

   1. Endless toil alone is meaningless

   2. Two are better than one

9. 4:13-16 Topic: Leadership is futility as a goal

   1. Be young and teachable

   2. No goal in leadership because the followers are fickle?

10. 5:8-6:12 Topic: Approach God reverently, Right and wrong way to use your wealth, Discontent and uncertainty

    1. Consider promises you make to God

    2. Greed leads to injustice

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Ecclesiastes 7-12

1. Read Ecclesiastes 7 and summarize in 3-5 sentences.

   1. Qohelet is contemplating morality, patience, and wisdom are better, and you need to accept life as it comes because you can not change it

2. Read Ecclesiastes 8. What is a response to injustice recommended? Why do you think Qohelet suggests this?

   1. Do not oppose the king

   2. We have little control over life

   3. Injusticeice happens

   4. Enjoy life

   5. Because we can not fully grasp what happens

   6. We can not interpret what is happening around us

3. Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-10. What is the excellent problem stated here, and what does Qohelet recommend in response?

   1. All die no matter what

   2. Enjoy food, wine, clothing, sex, and work.

4. Read the great conclusion in Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8. What is Qohelet’s final advice? How does verse 8 relate to his advice?

   1. Enjoy life, but remember judgment is coming

   2. do not worry because you can not change it, and remember your creator

   3. Life is fleeting so do it soon

5. Read the editor’s conclusion in 12:9-14. What is his conclusion? Does this modify your view of the book?

   1. Wise words are good ones

   2. There is no end of reflection on these things

   3. Fear God and keep his commands.

   4. No, he clarifies and summarizes it but does not change it