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The book of Ecclesiastes can also be known as the book of
'The Preacher' and the opening verse identifies the writer
as "the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem."
King Solomon's riches, wisdom and exploits were proverbial.
Solomon, it seemed, had tried everything which men usually
regard as worth having: - riches, power, women, pleasure.
Yet, in the end, Solomon discovered, all the things that people
usually crave for, turn out to be empty and useless.
"All is vanity and striving after wind"
(Ecclesiastes 1:14)
The vanity of life apart from God is underlined
in this book. Without His word, and our response to it, all
would be pointless. We would all end up like the animals in
the dust of death, for in the grave all life and consciousness
cease (Ecclesiastes 3:19-20), this is the consistent teaching
of Scripture but in Ecclesiastes it is repeated time after
time unmistakably.
Old age brings its problems, as the various
parts of the body are affected. Different parts of the body,
as well as various senses, may be referred to in the poetic
language of chapter 12. God is telling us to remember Him
(our Creator) while we are young and have the energy and opportunity
to do so.
The whole purpose of life is to give glory to
God (12:13). There is a day of judgement to come (v.14). In
other parts of Scripture God offers us the hope of eternal
life, following resurrection and judgement when Christ returns.
This will enable us to live forever on a renewed and perfect
earth.
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