Ecclesiastes (Believers Church Bible Commentary | BCBC)

by Douglas B. Miller

Publisher:

Herald Press

, 2010

Overview

In this volume, Miller respects the pastoral and theological contribution of Ecclesiastes, without muting its critique of simplistic and comfortable approaches to the life of faith. It is particularly useful for Christians who need a fresh look at the insights of this ancient sage in an era of uncertain identity, the flux of worldviews, and the elusiveness of truth.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Finally, like many in a postmodern culture, Ecclesiastes is concerned with the ways human beings are limited in their ability to understand what goes on around them.” (Page 18)

“According to the Teacher, God is able to make even death, disease, and the foolish choices of human beings serve the big picture of God’s purposes [Death, p. 229].” (Page 72)

“Yet many people, both believers and unbelievers, have recognized its basic theme—that life brings the unexpected, the tragic, and the confusing—and they have found in the author a trustworthy companion for walking through such experiences. The author shows himself to be one who can recognize life’s problems, is not afraid to name them for what they are, and has insight to help us make the most of our existence on this earth. His work may be the most personal book of the Bible, revealing the author’s frustrations, indignation, and reflections on mystery.” (Page 17)

“Qohelet is saying that God is responsible for both time and eternity, and the human being is caught in the tension between the two.” (Page 73)

“The author presents himself as being concerned for his audience. He sees that they have become trapped into viewing every part of their lives, even their religious practice, as a means of manipulating their own success and security. Yet in their determination to achieve the good things in life, they are actually missing those very things. The goal of Qohelet’s instruction, then, is to persuade his audience of another way of living, a proper assessment of work, pleasure, wisdom, and worship that will allow them to make the most of both the good times and the bad times (7:14 T/NIV).” (Page 24)

Praise for the Print Edition

This is a superb volume . . . Douglas Miller enables us to see how tremendously appropriate Ecclesiastes is for our times.

—Marva J. Dawn, author of Being Well When We're Ill

A gift to the church and a wonderful guide for anyone reading Ecclesiastes . . . pastors and students should have this book in their libraries.

—Ray Van Leeuwen, Professor of Biblical Studies, Eastern University

A journey through Ecclesiastes with Miller's helpful insights is well worth the trip!

—Steven Schweitzer, Academic Dean and Associate Professor (Old Testament), Bethany Theological Seminary

Miller's commentary invites us to include the writer of Ecclesiastes as a trustworthy companion through the twists and turns of our journey of life.

—Lydia Neufeld Harder, Toronto School of Theology

This commentary is a must read for the believer who faces fear and uncertainty in a quest for a deeper faith.

—Bob Neff, former general secretary of the Church of the Brethren

Product Details

• Title: Believers Church Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes
• Author: Douglas B. Miller
• Publisher: Herald Press
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 300

About Douglas B. Miller

Douglas B. Miller is Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas, and has published articles in church and scholarly periodicals as well as in collections of essays. His previous books include Symbol and Rhetoric in Ecclesiastes and An Akkadian Handbook. Miller served as general editor of Direction journal for ten years; he currently is the Old Testament editor for the Believers Church Bible Commentary series. He is a graduate of Oral Roberts University (BA), Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (M.Div.), and Princeton Theological Seminary (PhD in Old Testament).