All Is Vanity

 

Ecclesiastes  Introduction

 

“The Bible is never shy about confronting painful truths or hard questions.  The book of Ecclesiastes faces the issue of how we can find meaning in life in light of the seemingly futile nature of everything.  It does not answer this problem by comforting us with hollow slogans.  To the contrary, its motto is “Everything Is Futile,”  But by forcing us to face the futility of human existence, it guides us to a life of empty purpose and deceitful vindication.” (HCSB)

 

Chapter 1:1-11

 

All Is Vanity

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.  What does man gain by all the toil which he toils under the sun?  

 

Could the answer be found to that haunting question that mankind has asked since the beginning of time?  Why are we here?  What is the purpose of life?  Where are we going?

 

My translation uses the term Preacher, but most use Teacher, the word used is not the normal word for teacher or preacher, it is a rare Hebrew word (found seven times in Ecclesiastes, and no where else in the Bible.)  The HCSB in its notes tells us it may mean “assembly leader” or “public speaker”.  It is believed that it is referring to Solomon in that he only was king over all of Israel from Jerusalem none another ruled the whole kingdom.

 

Your translation may use the word futile and not vanity, but they have become to have the same meaning.  Beware of this, it does not mean that something is altogether worthless, but it implies it of fleeing value.  I know a man who spent his energy and money to acquire land and leftover 12 hundred acres debt-free to his son.  In less than three years he only had 25 acres left for him and his mother to live in, he had lost the land and the home to the bank.  I can not think of a better example of “Fleeing Value.”

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice