Ecclesiastes contains reflections of an old man, the "Preacher," as he considered the question of meaning in life. He looked back and saw the futility ("vanity") of chasing after even the good things this life can offer, including wisdom, work, pleasure, and wealth. Even if such things are satisfying for a time, death is certain to end this satisfaction. In fact, God's judgment on Adam for his sin (Gen. 3:17-19) echoes throughout the book (especially 12:7). Yet the person who lives in the fear of the Lord can enjoy God's good gifts. Young people, especially, should remember their Creator while they still have their whole lives before them (12:1). Traditionally interpreters of Ecclesiastes have identified the "Preacher," who is also called "the son of David, king in Jerusalem" (1:1), as Solomon (tenth century b.c.).

Date of Composition: ~935 BC 

A. Introduction (Ch 1:1-3) 

B. Illustrations (Ch 1:4-12)

A. From Scripture (Ch 1:12-3:1) 

B. From Observations (Ch 3-6) 

A. Living in a Wicked World (Ch 7-9) 

B. Dealing with Uncertainity (Ch 10:1-12:9) 

C. Conclusion (Ch 12:9-14) 

1. Premeditated Murder - Ex 21:12-14,22,23 

2. Kidnapping - Ex 21:16; Deut 24:7 

3. Striking or Cursing Parents - Ex 21:15; Lev 20:9; Pr 20:20; Matt 15:4; Mark 7:10 

4. Magic and Divination - Ex 22:18 

5. Bestiality - Ex 22:19; Lev 20:15-16 

6. Sacrificing to False Gods - Ex 22:20 

7. Profaning the Sabbath - Ex 35:2; Num 15:32-36 

8. Offering Human Sacrifice - Lev 20:2 

9. Adultery - Lev 20:10-21; Deut 22:22 

10. Incest - Lev 20:11,12,14 

11. Homosexuality - Lev 20:13 

12. Blasphemy - Lev 24:11-14,16,23 

13. False Prophecy - Deut 13:1-10 

14. Incorrigle Rebelliousness - Deut 17:12; 21:18-21 

15. Fornication - Deut 22:20-21 

16. Rape of Betrothed Virgin - Deut 22:23-27

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