The Message of Ecclesiastes
A Time To Mourn And A Time To Dance
Published on 20. April 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
112 pages
978-1-78974-438-5 (ISBN)
Description
'Vanity of vanities', says the Preacher, 'Vanity of vanities! All is vanity'.
Is that what life is? A wisp of vapour, a puff of wind, a mere breath - nothing you can get your hands on - the nearest thing to zero? So says the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes?
With imagination and clarity Derek Kidner introduces this Old Testament book which speaks so powerfully to our generation. His love of Hebrew poetry and his understanding of the biblical mind shine through in his careful passage-by-passage exposition.
The Bible Speaks Today series covers every book of the Old and New Testaments, as well as Bible themes that run through the whole of Scripture. These revised editions are updated with contemporary language and Bible translations to help you to follow and to teach the Bible in today's world.
Is that what life is? A wisp of vapour, a puff of wind, a mere breath - nothing you can get your hands on - the nearest thing to zero? So says the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes?
With imagination and clarity Derek Kidner introduces this Old Testament book which speaks so powerfully to our generation. His love of Hebrew poetry and his understanding of the biblical mind shine through in his careful passage-by-passage exposition.
The Bible Speaks Today series covers every book of the Old and New Testaments, as well as Bible themes that run through the whole of Scripture. These revised editions are updated with contemporary language and Bible translations to help you to follow and to teach the Bible in today's world.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Nottingham
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight
142 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78974-438-5 (9781789744385)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2023
Inter-Varsity Press
€12.49
Available for download
Previous edition
Book
04/1991
Inter-Varsity Press
€33.61
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Derek Kidner (M.A., A.R.C.M.) was formerly warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He wrote several volumes in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series.
Content
Contents
General preface vii
Author's preface ix
Chief abbreviations x
A. What is this book doing in the Bible?
- a reconnaissance 1
B. What is the book saying?
- a running commentary 9
1. The author, the motto and a survey of the scene (1:1-11) 9
2. The search for satisfaction (1:12 - 2:26) 15
3. The tyranny of time (3:1-15) 22
4. The harshness of life (3:16 - 4:3) 25
5. The rat race (4:4-8) 28
A first summary:
6. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 1:1 - 4:8 30
Interlude:
7. Some reflections, maxims and home truths (4:9 - 5:12) 32
8. The bitterness of disappointment (5:13 - 6:12) 38
A second summary:
9. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 4:9 - 6:12 43
Interlude:
10. More reflections, maxims and home truths (7:1-22) 44
11. The search goes on (7:23-29) 49
12. Frustration (8:1-17) 52
13. Jeopardy (9:1-18) 56A third summary:
14. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 7:1 - 9:18 61
Interlude:
15. Be sensible! (10:1-20) 63
16. Towards home (11:1-12:8) 70
17. Conclusion (12:9-14) 78
C. What are we to say to this?
- an epilogue 81
General preface vii
Author's preface ix
Chief abbreviations x
A. What is this book doing in the Bible?
- a reconnaissance 1
B. What is the book saying?
- a running commentary 9
1. The author, the motto and a survey of the scene (1:1-11) 9
2. The search for satisfaction (1:12 - 2:26) 15
3. The tyranny of time (3:1-15) 22
4. The harshness of life (3:16 - 4:3) 25
5. The rat race (4:4-8) 28
A first summary:
6. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 1:1 - 4:8 30
Interlude:
7. Some reflections, maxims and home truths (4:9 - 5:12) 32
8. The bitterness of disappointment (5:13 - 6:12) 38
A second summary:
9. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 4:9 - 6:12 43
Interlude:
10. More reflections, maxims and home truths (7:1-22) 44
11. The search goes on (7:23-29) 49
12. Frustration (8:1-17) 52
13. Jeopardy (9:1-18) 56A third summary:
14. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 7:1 - 9:18 61
Interlude:
15. Be sensible! (10:1-20) 63
16. Towards home (11:1-12:8) 70
17. Conclusion (12:9-14) 78
C. What are we to say to this?
- an epilogue 81