Introduction: Welcome to the Front Porch

Ecclesiastes is the honest reflections of an old king, Solomon.
Written late in life, Solomon speaks plainly about life's realities from experience, not theory.
He calls himself "the Preacher" (Qoheleth), meaning "assembler," one who gathers people to share hard truths.
Central phrase: "Under the sun"—life viewed from earthly perspective alone.
Central word: "Vanity" (hevel), meaning vapor, temporary, fleeting.

Background of Ecclesiastes

Last book accepted into Hebrew Scriptures due to its blunt honesty.
Misunderstood by some as pessimistic or nihilistic.
Traditionally read by Jews at Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), highlighting life's temporary nature.
Ecclesiastes teaches us to view earthly life as a temporary tent, pointing us beyond to eternal realities.

The Question: "What profit hath a man of all his labour under the sun?" (v. 3)
- "Profit" (yithron): lasting gain, something enduring beyond temporary success.
Solomon’s honest observation: If life is simply working hard until death, it seems pointless.
Solomon’s honesty about life under the sun drives us to seek something higher and more lasting.

Generation after Generation (v. 4)
- Generations pass; the earth remains.
- Not a cosmological or prophetic statement, simply honest reflection from earthly perspective.
- Warning: Don’t force theological or scientific precision onto Solomon’s practical observations.
Sunrise and Sunset (v. 5)
- Endless repetition symbolizes life's constant cycles.
- Everyday language ("sunrise," "sunset") is practical, not scientific.
Wind and Rivers (vv. 6–7)
- Creation reflects constant motion without fulfillment: rivers flow, seas never fill.
- Negative view: an endless "rat race"; Positive view: endless provision.
- Application: Life is to be enjoyed, not controlled.