The contribution of the theme of divine judgment to the argument of the book of Ecclesiastes

Abstract

There has been no general agreement among scholars about the argument of the book of Ecclesiastes. There are several interpretive paradigms for handling tension in the book. Many scholars think the book does not affirm afterlife or a divine judgment in it. This dissertation studies what the book teaches about divine judgment and how it contributes to the argument of the book. The argument of the book is evaluated by studying key lexemes and their usage. Key passages discussing divine judgment are exegeted to determine what the book teaches about divine judgment and how that relates to the argument of the book. The teaching on divine judgment is placed in the context of the canon. Finally, homiletic implications of the study are discussed.This study concludes that the book of Ecclesiastes argues that no permanent profit is possible in thislife. This makes all work futile with respect to the goal of securing permanent profit. This futility is discussed using the key word הבל'futility', which is used as an antonym of יתרון'profit' and with a singular meaning whenever used in reference to the summary “all is futile”. This futility is used to argue for valuing joy instead of living an achievement-centered life. The book of Ecclesiastes teaches a personal divine judgment of all deeds in the afterlife in the epilogue and probably in the body of the work. In the area of divine judgment, tensions in the book are to be solved by reading the book harmonistically. There is a possible allusion to the Egyptian view of afterlife in Ecclesiastes 3:21. The theme of divine judgment is used to address lack of justice in this life, as a basis for revering God, and to guide the pursuit of joy. The teaching on divine judgment is in agreement with the rest of the canon.The use of the key word הבל'futility' argues for a unified meaning, but such a meaning has been elusive. I present a novel solution to the lexical dilemma. While the idea that הבלmeans 'futility' is not novel, this study shows that the futility is specifically in relationship to an attempt to secure permanent profit. The minority view that Qohelet consistently affirmed a conscious afterlife and a divine judgment in it has significant ramifications for understanding the book and for Old testament biblical theology. The view that this is a plausible interpretation of the book is supported by new arguments.