OUTLINE OF ECCLESIASTES

The Vanity and Value of Life

I. The Prologue, Ecc_1:1-11

II. The Testing of Life’s Experiences, Ecc_1:12-18; Ecc_2:1-26; Ecc_3:1-22; Ecc_4:1-16; Ecc_5:1-20; Ecc_6:1-12; Ecc_7:1-29; Ecc_8:1-17; Ecc_9:1-18; Ecc_10:1-20; Ecc_11:1-10; Ecc_12:1-7

1. The Preacher’s Experience, Ecc_1:12-18; Ecc_2:1-26

2. The Preacher’s Observation, Ecc_3:1-22; Ecc_4:1-8

3. The Preacher’s Counsel, Ecclesiastes 4:9-7:10

4. The Preacher’s Commendation of Wisdom, Ecclesiastes 7:11-9:18

5. Proverbs-Life’s Closing Scenes, Ecc_10:1-20; Ecc_11:1-10; Ecc_12:1-7

III. The Epilogue, Ecc_12:8-13

INTRODUCTION

The word “Ecclesiastes” is from the Greek, and means “Preacher.” The book is really a sermon, designed to teach the unsatisfying nature of worldly pleasures and attainments unless God rules the heart and life. The great lesson is “that man’s true wisdom lies in fearing God and looking forward to the judgment.”

The word “vanity,” which occurs thirty-eight times, is the keynote of the book. How true happiness may be attained is the problem the author endeavors to solve.

{e-Sword Note: The following material was presented at the end of Ecclesiastes in the printed edition}



REVIEW QUESTIONS ON ECCLESIASTES

Outline

(a) Into what three divisions does this book naturally fall?

(b) How is the construction of the main division indicated?



Introduction

(c) What does the name “Ecclesiastes” mean?

(d) What is the keynote of the book?



Ecclesiastes 1-12

Each question applies to the paragraph of the corresponding number in the Comments.

1. Why do men fail in the search for happiness?

2. Why are material possessions unable to confer happiness?

3. What spiritual lessons may be learned from the life of the farmer?

4. What is the final teaching of the book?