Ecclesiastes (The Bible in God’s World Commentary Series)

by John Goldingay

Publisher:

Cascade Books

, 2021

Overview

Ecclesiastes is the most surprising book in the Scriptures. It challenges its readers to reconsider what they think life is about and how far it is possible to understand God’s involvement in the world. This commentary seeks to help people enter the world of Ecclesiastes and see how it can increase their understanding of God and of themselves.

Key Features

• Helps readers enter the world of Ecclesiastes and see how it can increase their understanding of God and of themselves
• Provides a fresh translation of Ecclesiastes
• Features verse-by-verse commentary and section overviews

Contents

• General Editors Preface
• List of Abbreviations
• Bibliography

Introduction

• The Historical Background of Qohelet
• The Composition and Authorship of Qohelet
• The Text of Qohelet
• The Theology of Qohelet
• Qohelet’s Word for Today
• An Outline of Qohelet

Commentary

• Qohelet 1:1–3 Introductions
• Qohelet 1:4–11 Things That Go Round and Round
• Qohelet 1:12—2:26 A Testimony
• Qohelet 3:1–15 Time
• Qohelet 3:16—4:3 Faithlessness and Extortion
• Qohelet 4:4–16 What’s the Good? (1)
• Qohelet 5:1–9 [4:17—5:8] Learn from Solomon’s Story
• Qohelet 5:10 [5:9]—6:9 Just Give Me Money (or Not)
• Qohelet 6:10—7:14 What’s the Good? (2)
• Qohelet 7:15—8:1 Faithful and Faithless, Seeking and Not Finding
• Qohelet 8:2–15 Power and Dire Situations
• Qohelet 8:16—9:12 The Shadow of Death
• Qohelet 9:13—10:15 How Smartness Fails
• Qohelet 10:16—11:6 The Uncertainty Principle
• Qohelet 11:7—12:8 Enjoy Your Youth, but Be Mindful, Young Man
• Qohelet 12:9–14 A Postscript
• Index of Authors
• Index of Scripture and Other Ancient Writings

Praise for Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes is a book that addresses the meaning, purpose, and significance of life and thus has great import for people today. How wonderful it is that Goldingay, one of the most gifted biblical interpreters of our age, has provided such an insightful commentary on this fascinating yet difficult book. My own understanding of Ecclesiastes has grown by reading his work, and I enthusiastically recommend that all who want to grapple with the theology and significance of Ecclesiastes get and read this immensely helpful commentary.

—Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Scholar and Professor emeritus of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

This commentary on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes is vintage Goldingay. The translation is fresh, the textual notes careful, the overview sections capture the essence of each passage and explain its contribution to the larger composition. The commentary sections are evenhanded and based on meticulous research and reading, yet accessible and clear. Highly recommended for students and pastors, and also of interest to the seasoned scholar.

—Knut M. Heim, Professor of Old Testament, Denver Seminary

Considering John Goldingay was the person under whose study I first translated Ecclesiastes, it is with great confidence that I endorse this volume. His quirky yet incisive observations always enliven the text afresh, especially one such as this, which has plagued and perplexed saints and scholars of old. How fitting are the words of Qoheleth: ‘Not only was the teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. . . . and what he wrote was upright and true’ (12:9–10).

—Brittany Melton, Assistant Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Like the ‘Congregationalist’ about whom he writes, Goldingay seeks to teach and communicate fresh insights for his audience, but also reveals himself as a profound thinker and seeker of truth(s) as he carefully translates and expounds this ancient text. He has written an exciting new commentary for the modern age, brimming with enthusiasm and appreciation for this most elusive of biblical books.

—Katharine Dell, Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge

Product Details

• Title: Ecclesiastes
• Author: John Goldingay
• Series: The Bible in God’s World Commentary Series
• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Print Publication Date: 2021
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 321
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. O.T. Ecclesiastes › Commentaries; Bible. O.T. Ecclesiastes › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9781725273160, 9781725273177, 1725273160, 1725273179
• Resource ID: LLS:CCLSSTSBBLCMSRS
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-11-27T19:30:37Z

About John Goldingay

John Goldingay has been at Fuller Theological Seminary since 1997 and currently serves as the David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament in the School of Theology. Before coming to Fuller, Goldingay was principal and a professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at St. John’s Theological College in Nottingham, England. He is the author of several books, including Old Testament Theology vol. 1, After Eating the Apricot, and Models for Scripture, as well as commentaries on Daniel, Isaiah, and Psalms. He holds membership in the Society of Biblical Literature and serves on the editorial board for the Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies.