Page 100 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

wrestles with exception to retribution character and consequence Yet again, he urges people to enjoy
work and pleasure in this life as God’s gifts (7-10, in contrast to darkness after death in Sheol).

Wisdom: Parable and Proverbs (9:13-11:6) With a parable about wisdom, Qoheleth teaches that
wisdom is powerful but ruined by folly! (9:13-10:3). With collection of proverbs, he highlights the
vulnerability of wisdom though a temporary advantage: wisdom can’t solve uncertainty in life (10:4-20).
In light of inevitabilities of rain, tree, wind, and other uncertainties you do not know, character does not
equal consequence. Qoheleth urges one to diversify his investments (1-6).

Wisdom: Rejoice and Remember (11:7-12:8) Concluding his wisdom teaching, Qoheleth repeats the
same themes: life is fleeting and enjoy life. 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 the Creator in your youth. He concludes with fleeting
nature of life. (12:1-8).

Epilogue: Quintessence (12:9-14) The 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

Author and Date: Debated (superscription: Authorship: Solomon). Probably
written before 931 B.C.

99