Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World

by Russell L. Meek

Publisher:

Hendrickson

, 2022

Overview

This unique book combines memoir, exegesis, and theological reflection to demonstrate the ongoing significance of the book of Ecclesiastes to the Christian life in the twenty-first century.

Through exegesis of Old Testament passages and theological reflections on Ecclesiastes, the author deals with issues of abuse, trauma, and forgiveness. For thousands of years, God's grace and glory have been shining in the stories and poems of broken people: the Psalms give voice to our darkest moments of pain and anger, showing us that God welcomes our rawest emotions; Ecclesiastes and Job help us confront suffering and injustice in life; and the failures of Noah, Jacob, and David help keep us tethered to the God of the Bible.

These stories and poems still speak to the brokenness of humans today, beckoning us into the arms of the God who made us and loves us even though we too are riddled with sin, hurt, and a longing to be loved. By working through the book of Ecclesiastes, we can let the Teacher's words seep into our hearts and shape our understanding of who God is and how he helps us navigate this upside-down world. This short and engaging book enables us to see how one part of the Old Testament—Ecclesiastes—can help us navigate a world in which things do not always turn out as they should.

Key Features

• Deals with issues of abuse, trauma, and forgiveness.
• Shows us that God welcomes our rawest emotions.
• Enables us to see how Ecclesiastes help us navigate in this world.

Product Details

• Title: Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World
• Author: Russell L. Meek
• Publisher: Hendrickson
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 80
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Bible. Ecclesiastes; Bible. Ecclesiastes Criticism, interpretation, etc; Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9781496472199, 1496472195
• Resource ID: LLS:9781496472199
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-06T20:53:56Z

About Russell L. Meek

Russell L. Meek is associate professor of Old Testament at William Tennent School of Theology. His most recent books include Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World and the co-authored Book-by-Book Guide to Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary. He writes a regular column on understanding and applying the Old Testament at Fathom Magazine.