The Message of Ecclesiastes

by Derek Kidner

Overview

What is life all about? In the end, is it no more than a wisp of vapor, a puff of wind, a mere breath? So says the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes?

With imagination and clarity, Derek Kidner introduces this unusual Old Testament book that speaks so powerfully to each new generation. He reveals how the Preacher confronts difficult questions and examines extremes of human experience, facing the fear that God is distant and nothing has meaning. Finally, however, we are led to encounter the God who was present all along, who cares about the details of our lives.

Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Ecclesiastes offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language and current NRSV Scripture quotations with a new interior design.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514006313
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	07/18/2023
Series:	The Bible Speaks Today Series
Edition description:	Revised, Revised Edition
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

The works of Derek Kidner (MA, Christ's College, Cambridge) are full of the marks of both professor and pastor with his even­handed scholarship as well as his devotional insight. These qualities have made his commentaries in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series and The Bible Speaks Today series some of the most beloved and popular of recent decades. Kidner had a long career in both the church and the academy in England. He studied at Cambridge University and then served in the ministry for several years before becoming a senior tutor at Oak Hill Theological College. Kidner began his writing career while serving as warden of Tyndale House in Cambridge from 1964 to 1978, publishing his ninth and final book, The Message of Jeremiah, in 1987.

Table of Contents

General preface
Author’s preface
Chief abbreviations

A. What is this book doing in the Bible? A reconnaissance

B. What is the book saying? A running commentary
1. The author, the motto and a survey of the scene (1:1-11)
2. The search for satisfaction (1:12–2:26)
3. The tyranny of time (3:1-15)
4. The harshness of life (3:16–4:3)
5. The rat race (4:4-8)
6. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 1:1–4:8
7. Some reflections, maxims and home truths (4:9–5:12)
8. The bitterness of disappointment (5:13–6:12)
9. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 4:9–6:12
10. More reflections, maxims and home truths (7:1-22)
11. The search goes on (7:23-29)
12. Frustration (8:1-17)
13. Jeopardy (9:1-18)
14. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 7:1–9:18
15. Be sensible! (10:1-20)
16. Towards home (11:1–12:8)
17. Conclusion (12:9-14)

C. What are we to say to this? An epilogue