Solomon makes seven (symbol of completion, perfection and the covenant) observations in Ecclesiastes “all is/was vanity and vexation of spirit.” What is the meaning of this observation/revelation?

Thank You

JMH, M.D.

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JMH,

The book of Ecclesiastes reads much like the musings of a man struggling through a mid-life crisis. Solomon observes that the Lord’s rain falls on the wicked and righteous alike; that great tasks we undertake to distinguish oursevles have already been done before; that any greatness we achieve – for good or ill – will be forgotten. He sums it up thus:

“Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.”

“Vanity” here is a reference to how fleeting life is and its achievements. Whether the count is significant or not, this is indeed the central theme of the book.

These teachings can be difficult to understand with a gospel perspective because the wicked will receive a different reward than the just; works don’t have to be new to be worthwhile; and although personal interactions may not last generations, they can have eternal consequences.

The Preacher frames his teachings with the phrase “under the sun” (27 times). He is making observations of this world and mortality, where everything is indeed fleeting and aggravating. It is not until the final verses that he finds purpose (“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man”) that is driven by an eternal perspective (“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil”).