The Book of ECCLESIASTES (John MacArthur) Title The English title, Ecclesiastes, comes from the Greek and Latin translations of Solomon’s book. The LXX used the Greek term ekkleµsiasteµs for its title.
Full Answer
What is the preacher in Ecclesiastes?
It refers to the one who addresses the assembly; hence, the preacher (cf. 1:1, 2, 12; 7:27; 12:8–10 ). Along with Ruth, Song of Solomon, Esther, and Lamentations, Ecclesiastes stands with the OT books of the Megilloth, or “five scrolls.”
Is Ecclesiastes a historical text?
As is true with most biblical Wisdom literature, little historical narrative occurs in Ecclesiastes, apart from Solomon’s own personal pilgrimage. The kingly sage studied life with high expectations but repeatedly bemoaned its shortcomings, which he acknowledged were due to the curse (Gen. 3:14–19).
How many times does Ecclesiastes call his reader to pursue Joy?
Seven times in Ecclesiastes the Preacher calls his reader to pursue joy ( Ecclesiastes 2:24–25; 3:12–13, 22; 5:18–20; 7:14; 8:15; 9:7–10; 11:7–12:1 ). When he says, “Rejoice!” what does he mean? I am going to provide a short definition here and then expand it as we progress through the rest of this message.
What can we learn from Ecclesiastes 11?
First, Ecclesiastes 11:7–8 call us to savor the sweetnesses of life-when God’s goodness and grace are like the warmth and brightness of the sun on a weary soul. Memorialize these moments, for they are God-given fuel for sustaining God-conscious joy even through our many days of trial.
What is the main message of the book of Ecclesiastes?
Book of Ecclesiastes: summary In light of the meaninglessness and futility of all human endeavour, he tells us that we should strive to enjoy the simple pleasures found in life: eating and drinking, and taking enjoyment in our work.
Is the MacArthur Study Bible dispensational?
In 1998, it won the Gold Medallion Book Award for Study Bible of the Year, and as of 2007 had more than one million copies distributed. It has also been criticized for its views on dispensationalist premillennialism in eschatology, and limited atonement.
What translation is the MacArthur Study Bible?
In August 2010, for the first time, The MacArthur Study Bible will be available in the English Standard Version (ESV). An “essentially literal” translation, the ESV Bible combines “word-for-word” accuracy with readability, literary excellence, and depth of meaning.
Who wrote the MacArthur Study Bible?
MacArthur, John F.NKJV, The MacArthur Study Bible, Hardcover: Revised and Updated Edition: MacArthur, John F.: 9781418550356: Books - Amazon.
What religion is John MacArthur?
He has been the pastor of Grace Community Church, a non-denominational church in Sun Valley, California since February 9, 1969....John Fullerton MacArthur Jr.John MacArthurReligionChristianity (Reformed Baptist)Congregations servedGrace Community Church, Sun Valley, California8 more rows
Are MacArthur Bibles good?
Another reviewer notes this is a “good study Bible to have”. They commend the notes and study features as well as the fact that the study is available in multiple Bible translations including ESV, NASB, NIV, and NKJV. They love the quality of the genuine leather cover and are confident in the durability of the book.
What is the most accurate Bible translation from the original text?
The New American Standard Bible is a literal translation from the original texts, well suited to study because of its accurate rendering of the source texts.
Is the NASB MacArthur Study Bible Good?
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Study Bible and the large print will keep me reading. I have owned several MacArthur Bibles. This is my first NASV of the MacArthur lineup. I have given several as gifts but I lost a couple of them while my life was going through some changes.
What version of the Bible does John MacArthur?
Beloved by Millions of People Every Day Expository preachers and Bible teachers including John MacArthur, Al Mohler, Charles Stanley, Kay Arthur, and thousands of others have used the NASB because of its faithfulness to what the Author originally intended.
Does the MacArthur Study Bible have red letters?
A red letter edition is so much better for obvious reasons that it's almost unbelievable that MacArthur would not sanction to have the words of Christ highlighted in red in his study Bible. Other than that, the notes and commentary are expert, authoritative and reliable.
What is the difference between the first and second edition of the MacArthur Study Bible?
The first edition of The MacArthur Study Bible boasted more than 20,000 study notes. The new edition boasts of almost 25,000 so you're getting almost 5,000 more study notes with the new edition. You're also now getting the complete Thomas Nelson cross reference system that has over 72,000 references.
What Bible translation does Liberty University use?
The portion of the collection at Liberty includes, among other items, cuneiform tablets and English translations of scripture predating the King James Version.
Where does the title Ecclesiastes come from?
Ecclesiastes. The English title, Ecclesiastes, comes from the Greek and Latin translations of Solomon’s book. The LXX, the Greek translation of the OT, used the Greek term ekklēsiastēs for its title. It means “preacher,” derived from the word ekklēsia, translated “assembly” or “congregation” in the NT.
What book is Ecclesiastes in?
Along with Ruth, Song of Solomon, Esther, and Lamentations, Ecclesiastes stands with the OT books of the Megilloth, or “five scrolls.”. Later rabbis read these books in the synagogue on 5 special occasions during the year—Ecclesiastes being read on Pentecost. Author and Date.
What does Ecclesiastes represent?
Ecclesiastes represents the painful autobiography of Solomon who, for much of his life, squandered God’s blessings on his own personal pleasure rather than God’s glory. He wrote to warn subsequent generations not to make the same tragic error, in much the same manner as Paul wrote to the Corinthians (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18–31; 2:13–16 ).
What did Solomon warn the people of?
Solomon was writing, probably in his latter years (no later than ca. 931 B.C.), primarily to warn the young people of his kingdom, without omitting others. He warned them to avoid walking through life on the path of human wisdom; he exhorted them to live by the revealed wisdom of God (12:9–14). Background and Setting.
What did David recognize about Solomon?
David recognized his son’s wisdom ( 1 Kin. 2:6, 9) before God gave Solomon an additional measure. After he received a “wise and understanding heart” from the Lord ( 1 Kin. 3:7–12 ), Solomon gained renown for being exceedingly wise by rendering insightful decisions ( 1 Kin.3:16–28 ), a reputation that attracted “all the kings ...
What is Solomon's wisdom?
Solomon’s wisdom, like Job’s wealth, surpassed the wisdom “of all the people of the east” ( 1 Kin. 4:30; Job 1:3 ). The book is applicable to all who would listen and benefit, not so much from Solomon’s experiences, but from the principles he drew as a result.
What does the name Qoheleth mean?
Both the Greek and Latin versions derive their titles from the Hebrew title, Qoheleth, which means “one who calls or gathers” the people. It refers to the one who addresses the assembly; hence, the preacher (cf. 1:1, 2, 12; 7:27; 12:8–10).
Where does the title "Ecclesiastes" come from?
Our title, "Ecclesiastes," comes from Ecclesiastes, the Latin form of the Greek word for a preacher.
What does Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 mean?
Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 The Vanity of the longest and most prosperous Life —§ 11. Ecclesiastes 6:7-12 Vanity of Gratifying the Appetites—§ 12. Ecclesiastes 7:1-6 Sorrowful Scenes and Experiences in the Light of Religion—§ 1. Ecclesiastes 7:7-10 The Soul fortified against the Frowns and Smiles of the World—§ 2.
Who is Pemble in Salomon's Recantation and Repentance?
Salomon's Recantation and Repentance; or, the Book of Ecclesiastes briefly and fully explained. Anthony a Wood calls Pemble "a famous preacher, a skillful linguist, a good orator, and an ornament to society.". Moreover, he was a learned Calvinistic divine. This "Recantation" is a minor production.
Did John the Baptist have a comforter?
Vast numbers of godly men and women have been oppressed and persecuted—sometimes even executed—for their Christian stand (e.g., John the Baptist, Paul the apostle), and they seemed to have had "no comforter," but they did have the divine Comforter (John 14:16; 2 Corinthians 1:4, 5).
What is the final statement in Ecclesiastes 11:8?
The final statement in Ecclesiastes 11:8 is, “All that comes is vanity.”. The ESV’s translation is drawn from the Latin Vulgate’s vanitas, which suggests all of life is in some way pointless or futile. The refrain in both Ecclesiastes 1:2 and Ecclesiastes 12:8 therefore reads, “Vanity of vanities . . . all is vanity.”.
What does Ecclesiastes 11:7–8 mean?
Ecclesiastes 11:7–8 introduce the idea of God-conscious joy, and then Ecclesiastes 11:9–11 and beyond unpack how to preserve God-conscious joy. That is my outline: Ecclesiastes 11:7–8 are about the importance of sustaining God-conscious joy, and Ecclesiastes 11:9–11 clarify a method for maintaining God-conscious joy.
What does the preacher say about the wise?
In Ecclesiastes 11:7–10, it’s important to note that the Preacher is addressing the wise and not the fool. He said in Ecclesiastes 11:8 that “it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun,” and in Ecclesiastes 2:14 he observed, “The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.”.
What does the Preacher say about darkness?
On the one hand, the Preacher associates darkness with both trials ( Ecclesiastes 5 :17) and death ( Ecclesiastes 6:4; 12:2 ). As noted in Ecclesiastes 12:2, in death “the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain.”.
What does Ecclesiastes 11:7–8 say about God-conscious joy?
Now, whereas Ecclesiastes 11:7–8 stressed the importance of sustaining God-conscious joy, I believe that Ecclesiastes 11:9–11 help clarify a method for maintaining God-conscious joy. The Preacher captures the process in four groupings of imperatives.
What does the preacher mean by "all is breath"?
I propose that when the Preacher opens and closes his book with the declaration, “All is breath,” he meant that all things in this world are enigmatic or mysterious. This is why six times he accompanies the term with the phrase, “striving after wind” or “a shepherding of wind.” “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is enigma and a striving after wind” ( Ecclesiastes 1:14 ). “And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind” ( Ecclesiastes 1:17 ).
Was the preacher a pessimist?
The Preacher in Ecclesiastes was not a pessimist. He was a realist and a godly sage. “The wise person has his eyes in his head” ( Ecclesiastes 2:14 ), and for this one, “Light is sweet” ( Ecclesiastes 11:7 ).
Title
- The English title, Ecclesiastes, comes from the Greek and Latin translations of Solomon’s book. The LXX, the Greek translation of the OT, used the Greek term ekklesiastes for its title. It means “preacher,” derived from the word ekklesia, translated “assembly” or “congregation” in the NT. Bo…
Author and Date
- The autobiographical profile of the book’s writer unmistakably points to Solomon. Evidence abounds such as: 1) the titles fit Solomon, “son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1) and “king over Israel in Jerusalem” (1:12); 2) the author’s moral odyssey chronicles Solomon’s life (1 Kin. 2–11); and 3) the role of one who “taught the people knowledge” and wrote “many proverbs” (12:9) corr…
Background and Setting
- Solomon’s reputation for possessing extraordinary wisdom fits the Ecclesiastes profile. David recognized his son’s wisdom (1 Kin. 2:6, 9) before God gave Solomon an additional measure. After he received a “wise and understanding heart” from the Lord (1 Kin. 3:7–12), Solomon gained renown for being exceedingly wise by rendering insightful decisions (1 Kin. 3:16–28), a reputatio…
Interpretive Challenges
- The author’s declaration that “all is vanity” envelops the primary message of the book (cf. 1:2; 12:8). The word translated “vanity” is used in at least 3 ways throughout the book. In each case, it looks at the nature of man’s activity “under the sun” as: 1) “fleeting,” which has in view the vapor-like (cf. James 4:14) or transitory nature of life; 2) “futile” or “meaningless,” which focuses on th…
Outline
- The book chronicles Solomon’s investigations and conclusions regarding man’s lifework, which combine all of his activity and its potential outcomes including limited satisfaction. The role of wisdom in experiencing success surfaces repeatedly, particularly when Solomon must acknowledge that God has not revealed all of the details. This leads Solomon to the conclusion t…