Ecclesiastes : Christian Community Bible

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes perhaps summarized the essence of his thought in this verse in chapter 3: “God made everything fitting in its time; but he also set eternity in our hearts, though we are not able to embrace the work of God from the beginning to the end” (3:11-14; 8:16-17). Humankind, created in the image of God, is to rule the universe. Nevertheless, humans are no more than servants made of clay upon whom God imposed the laborious task of always searching.

Religion has always tried to explain, to give a more reassuring view of existence. At that time, pious people affirmed that here below God rewarded the good and punished the wicked. Ecclesiastes remains doubtful. Although accepting that the commandments of God show us a way, he respects the silence and apparent absence of God.

The word Ecclesiastes is the translation of the Hebrew Qohelet (or Qoheleth) and many prefer to use this word, avoiding confusion with Ecclesiasticus (Sirach); that is why you may see the abbreviation Qo when we mention this book.

NOTE: excerpted from the introductory material for this book.