Fallenness, Sustainment, and Judgment: Analyzing Coherency in the Thematic Trajectory of Qohelet

by Ashley Davis; Jr. Albert R. Portillo

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2025

Overview

This book seeks to establish a basis for coherency in Qohelet’s theological appeal by analyzing a thematic trajectory underpinned by the rhetoric of Qohelet’s emphasis on vanity, joy, and judgment. These emphases follow what have been labeled projectile themes, which aim at particular points of Qohelet’s message, carrying the audience through Qohelet’s flow of thought. These thoughts are deeply correlated and best recognized as the substance forming Qohelet’s framework from which Qohelet’s teaching flows. In other words, Qohelet’s thoughts, revealed by his thematic emphases and endpoint, function as an evangelistic appeal to a theological worldview, whereby the minds and hearts of his audience are directed to a present and future reality in the fear-God concept. This present and future reality follows the premise that humanity enters a fallen world, God sustains humanity amid the fallenness, and God preserves the lives of those who fear him on the day of judgment. What is ultimately discovered is that coherence in the course, followed by the projectile themes of fallenness, sustainment, and judgment, forms a framework guiding a trajectory in Qohelet, aiming at an appeal to righteous living and eschatological hope.

Praise for Fallenness, Sustainment, and Judgment

If this book had been available to hundreds of my theology students, it would have helped them excel in their studies. The inclusion of apologetic tools and the depth of contextual comparisons and settings would significantly enrich their understanding. The sound orthodoxy is amalgamated into the author’s unique style of presentation of the book of Qohelet. My personal study in the book of Qohelet has been enhanced greatly by reading Fallenness, Sustainment, and Judgement.

——Judy Laidley, dean, Mountainview College of Theology

This book offers a fresh, thoroughly researched perspective on the ongoing debate concerning the unity of the book of Ecclesiastes. I am pleased to see it revisited, presenting a persuasive, cohesive approach. A solid addition to the debate.

——Daniel Warner, assistant professor, John W. Rawlings School of Divinity

Product Details

• Title: Fallenness, Sustainment, and Judgment: Analyzing Coherency in the Thematic Trajectory of Qohelet
• Authors: Ashley Davis, Jr. Albert R. Portillo
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2025
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Pages: 194
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9798385235148, 9798385235124, 9798385235131
• Resource ID: LLS:9798385235148
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-23T00:27:11Z

About the Authors

Albert R. Portillo Jr. has a PhD from Liberty University and is a biblical scholar with a focus on Bible exposition and hermeneutics. He currently serves as an equipping ministry leader at New Hope Las Vegas Church in Nevada.