The book of Ecclesiastes mystifies scholars and general readers alike, with its conflicting views on life, death, and existence. Some see it as a hopeless view of life, while others view it as a call to living a good life. In this two-volume collection, two academics wrestle with the implications of Qohelet, the Hebrew word for the speaker of the text. Both authors focus on interpretation and structure of the book; specifically the confusing ideas throughout.
In (Per)mutations of Qohelet, Jennifer Koosed uses a literary approach, centering on the identity of the preacher and his relationship with the reader. She examines autobiographical issues and relates them to the idea of body and form throughout the book. Michael V. Fox, in Qohelet and His Contradictions, addresses the complexities not as problems, but as keys to understanding the tension in Qohelet’s ideas. He provides commentary on terminology, language, style, and structure, and offers invaluable insight into the complexities of this Old Testament book. This collection will be of special interest to students, professors, laity, and anyone wanting to understand this perplexing book and its commentary on existence. It includes bibliographies, notes, indexes, and in-depth table of contents to guide study.
