Emptiness in Toils (Ecc 1:1-3)

EMPTINESS IN TOILS (Ecc 1:1-3):

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes addresses himself to be the Preacher, though there is not any specific evidence that the author addresses it to specific people. The expression of the author could be helpful to realize that the book is a soliloquy, a self-reflection of personal experiences or exposures and that of other people. The author also addresses himself as the son of David, King of Jerusalem, which could mostly commemorate the authorship to King Solomon along with the contents of the book. Also, the author takes privilege by introducing himself as Son of David, King of Jerusalem rather than introducing himself though his wealth, wisdom or worth, due to the remarkable characteristics of King David who repented and reconciled himself to God though deviated some times.

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes seems to have enjoyed all the disclosures, pleasures, and treasures but starts his writings with the words of great dissatisfaction over life. He says everything as not just vanity but the vanity of vanities with repetition. The statement is surely not of some great disappointment that happened at a certain point in life which is usually and commonly, a part of the life of all human beings. When we look at the contents of the letter we could sense that the author is wise with all the knowledge and understanding, he had seen many things and enjoyed many things. At the same time the author also knew the brevity, infidelity and limitations of human life on this earth. The author expresses everything as it comes to his mind very genuinely and sees everything as a vanity when there is no joy and enjoyment, though there was temporary happiness.

The author also seeks Joy and enjoyment in the toils in the earth and expresses it with a rhetorical question, what does man gain by the toil at which he toils under the sun. There is some gain from the toils whatever it may be, but the gain is very temporary and it doesn’t satisfy the man and make him content. The person who works hard and attain a considerable wealth, position or knowledge have to leave everything for the next generation and pass away. There is no one who could take away everything along with them when they pass away or could live an eternal life on the earth, and the author looks at it. The author has a notion that there isn’t much great gain as a whole, in the life of a person for the toils under the sun.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.    Who is the author of Ecclesiastes?

2.    Why the author introduces himself as preacher and son of David, King of Jerusalem?

3.    What does the author say about everything?

4.    Why does the author say that all is vanity, with repetition?

5.    What could be the mood of the author when he writes the book of Ecclesiastes?

6.    What rhetorical question does the author ask?

7.    Why the author asks the rhetorical question?

8.    What are the toils that could be seen under the sun?

9.    Does the man gain anything by all the toils in life? Justify?

10. How we could find Joy and be content from the toils under the sun?