Introduction
Welcome to the study of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. Over the next six weeks we will cover all twelve chapters of this sometimes difficult book with the two-fold intent of following along with our weekend sermons and asking the question of ‘what does this mean to me and my life?’ We would encourage you to read each passage with an open and inquiring mind, asking questions of the text, pondering what they might mean and ultimately asking yourself how you can apply the wisdom in Ecclesiastes to your personal view of the world and what it means to your day-to-day behavior.
Just who is the author of Ecclesiastes has generated a lot of debate among the scholars. Ecclesiastes identifies the author as the ‘Teacher’ or ‘Preacher’, depending on what translation you read, as the son of David (1:1) and king in Jerusalem (1:1,12). Traditionally, this king has been identified as Solomon, the third king of Israel and the last king of the Unified Kingdom. Objections to this interpretation lay in textual analysis that point to some of the language used by the author as being of a later, post-exilic timeframe, and therefore would have been unknown to Solomon. While these objections may have merit, they are by no means conclusive and for the practical purposes of our study, we can assume that the Teacher is King Solomon.
The Flatland Research Team is excited to not only bring this study to you, but to be able to go on this journey along with you. We would encourage you to log on to the Flatland Teaching Center (flatlandchurch.com/teaching) and post any questions that you might have. Prepare to be challenged and to have God reveal Himself to you.
