

Rather, he is initially introduced in the third person, and even when the first person is used, it’s sometimes presented as quoted material: Not only is Qoheleth’s identity concealed, but it seems that though his wisdom is presented in the book, he was not the author. Since Scripture is silent on the matter, we cannot be confident in identifying Qoheleth. In conclusion, it’s not impossible that Solomon was Qoheleth, but evidence to the contrary is sufficient to make it doubtful. And the language of the book is different than Solomon’s other writings. The claim in 1:16 and 2:9 that he surpassed all who were before him in Jerusalem would mean little if his father were his only predecessor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had doneĮverything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well-the delights of a man’s heart. I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives. And what does pleasure accomplish?” I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly-my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.“Laughter,” I said, “is madness.

The Solomonic flavor of sections like 2:1–11 leave no doubt that the author intended for the reader to think of Solomon’s experiences. It is also puzzling why Solomon would hide behind a pseudonym. It is argued that no one else was “son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Yet it must be admitted that the designation “son of David” could be used to refer to anyone in the line of David. Traditionally Qoheleth has been identified as Solomon because of the information given in the first two verses of the book. Judging from the meaning of the related verb, it would seem that the word means “convener” or “assembler”-thus the common English translations “Teacher” (NIV) or “Preacher.” Is Qoheleth King Solomon? The wisdom of Ecclesiastes comes from someone who is identified as “Qoheleth.” It’s not certain whether this is a personal name, some sort of pseudonym, or the title of an office. Interpreters of the book struggle with the issues it raises, leading some to question the orthodoxy of the author or whether the book even belongs in the Old Testament canon. Like the book of Job, it refuses to dodge the hard questions of life and doesn’t allow easy solutions.

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