Ecclesiastes (Reformed Expository Commentary | REC)

Ecclesiastes raises questions that face all people everywhere: We live in a busy world, but does our busyness have a purpose? Will the tyranny of time render all our labor pointless? If our efforts are doomed by death, how are we supposed to live in the meantime? Douglas O’Donnell turns to Ecclesiastes to show us that lives of seeming futility “under the sun” become filled with joy and meaning if we live “under the rule of the Son.” O’Donnell argues that wisdom literature is best seen through the teachings of Jesus, who said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) Abandoning illusions of self-importance, putting aside all pride, and embracing divine wisdom are central and meaningful preaching themes found in Ecclesiastes.