Ecclesiastes (Mentor Commentary | MC)

by Richard P. Belcher Jr.

Publisher:

Mentor

, 2017

Overview

The book of Ecclesiastes, part of the wisdom literature of the Bible, can be a perplexing maze to interpret and teach. Full of apparent contradictions and much-debated Hebrew, the theme focuses on the gritty realities of life ‘under the sun.’ Richard Belcher approaches this book with the depth and care it needs, presenting solid guidance on the intricacies of interpretation—alongside continual comments on the practicalities of preaching.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Thus each week God’s people are not left with just an analysis of the problems of life but are pointed to the solution from other parts of Scripture. This is basically a redemptive-historical approach that regularly makes connections from the Old Testament to other parts of Scripture, especially to the New Testament.” (Page 68)

“The primary way to understand hebel in Ecclesiastes is in the sense of futile or senseless.” (Page 55)

“Also, many who translate ʿôlām with ‘eternity’ explain the concept in terms of having a desire to move beyond the fragmentary knowledge of our immediate situation in order to know the character and purpose of the events in the world.⁵⁹ In other words, Qohelet is not emphasizing life beyond this earthly life, but he is asserting that humans have a desire to see the whole picture of how events fit together in this life so that wise decisions can be made.” (Page 146)

“If one is in a ‘hurry’ in the presence of God there is a tendency to say something inappropriate, such as uttering wild promises, making unguarded comments, and speaking vain repetitions.” (Page 195)

“Thus history is going nowhere and individuals are destined to live lives that never achieve fulfillment.^{70” (Page 86)}

Product Details

• Title: Ecclesiastes: A Mentor Commentary
• Author: Richard P. Belcher Jr.
• Series: Mentor Commentaries
• Publisher: Mentor
• Print Publication Date: 2017
• Logos Release Date: 2019
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Ecclesiastes › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781527100411, 1527100413
• Resource ID: LLS:MENTRCOM21EC
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-12T22:11:37Z

About Richard P. Belcher Jr.

Richard P. Belcher Jr. is the John D. and Frances M. Gwin Professor of Old Testament and Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. His books include Job: The Mystery of Suffering and God’s Sovereignty, Ecclesiastes: A Mentor Commentary, and Prophet, Priest, and King. He is a contributor to IVP’s Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Writings and Poetry.