In this volume, Storms gives an introduction to the book of Ecclesiastes, commentary and discussion on key verses from the book, and a list of additional commentaries recommended by Storms.
“Ecclesiastes, to come to the point, is the journal, the travel log, if you will, of one of the wealthiest, wisest, and most godly men who ever lived, in which he describes for us his unending search for the key to life. It is Solomon’s attempt to explore and exploit every conceivable option under the sun, hoping to find that one key, or perhaps a multiplicity of keys, that will unlock and explain all the enigmas of human existence, that will make sense of what seems so senseless, that will give purpose and meaning to what seems to be lacking in both. The problem is that life has lost the key to itself. Only God has it, and he won’t give it to anyone!” (source)
“His point in all this is that the most we may know for certain is that there is a divine plan” (source)
“The process of history and the progress of science yield only an endless chain of one generation after another, groping for satisfaction through this and through that, but to no avail. He looks at Wisdom (1:12–17; 2:13–17), but not even the most brilliant and insightful and discerning people in history can make sense of it all. He explores the world by indulging in its most satisfying physical pleasures (2:1–11), but again to no avail. He runs the gamut of sensual delights and his verdict is the same: ‘Vanity and a striving after wind.’ Neither hard work nor more money nor folly nor even death itself (both the wise and foolish die, both the rich and the poor) can provide the answer.” (source)
“In general they have said that the book contains the uninspired thoughts and the pursuit of happiness on the part of the natural or unsaved man.” (source)