Page 68 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook- short

solve uncertainty in life (10:4-20). In light of inevitabilities rain, tree, wind, uncertainties you do not
know, character ≠ consequence, Qoheleth urges one to diversify investment (1-6)

Wisdom: Rejoice and Remember (11:7-12:8) Concluding his wisdom teaching, Qoheleth repeats same
themes life is fleeting and enjoy life, but shifting order, sees experience through truth. In two panels
(11:7-8, 9-10), he urges one to rejoice in life, especially one’s youth, with a reminder that death and
judgment are coming. With metaphors for aging and death, Qoheleth urges one to remember Creator in
youth. Returning to the start- inclusion he concludes w/ fleeting nature of life. (12:1-8).

Epilogue: Quintessence (12:9-14) Narrator closes with affirmation of Qoheleth as wise, trustworthy to
read praising his skill in wisdom. Rather than subversion, narrator sums up all/every Qoheleth’s teaching
explicitly connecting wisdom and Torah, fear God and keep commands, restating its motivation, positive
duty and negative judgment!

The Book of Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon

Writings: Living Wisely in Sexuality

Date: Debated (superscription: Authorship: Solomon)

Theme: God’s Gift of Human Love and Sexuality

Message: Song of Songs traces lovers from passionate longing to joyful reunion, showing human
sexuality as God’s good gift to be enjoyed in its proper context!

Poems of Desire (1:1-2:7) In multiple poems, with various literary fictions, the lovers express sensual
desire for each other: a royal maid praises intoxicating love of a king (1:2-4, 12-14), a country maiden
wishes to find her shepherd lover (5-7), and enjoy intimacy in nature (16-17). Playfully inviting his
beloved to come (8), the man praises her beauty (9-11, 15). Amidst her self-deprecation, the lover exalts

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