Ecclesiastes

ECCLESIASTES. The Hebrew title of the Sacred book of Ecclesiastes, is Coheleth, which is a feminine word, the literal signification whereof is, She who speaks in publick; or, She who convenes the assembly. But the Greeks and Latins, without having any regard to the gender, have called it Ecclesiastes, that is to say, an Orator, one who speaks in publick. Solomon, who is the author of this book, describes himself in the very first verse in these words, The words of Eccl. i. 1. כהלתCoheleth. Eccl. ii. 4, 5, 6.Coheleth the son of David, King of Jerusalem. He speaks of his works, his riches, and his buildings; and in particular of his Proverbs, Eccl. xii. 9. Eccl. i. 16.or Parables. He there declares, that he was the wisest and happiest of all his predecessors in Jerusalem; which is so plain a character of himself, that there is no room to doubt his being meant by it¹.

Notwithstanding these reasons, there are criticks who have disputed, whether this book was written by Solomon. Grotius is of opinion, that it was composed long after Solomon, and that Zerubabel procured it to be digested into order for his son Abihud, and with an intention of erecting an eternal monument in memory of Solomon’s repentance. The Author of a book intitled, The Thoughts of some Divines in Holland, says, that Ecclesiastes is a Dialogue, wherein a man of piety disputes against a Libertine, who favoured the opinions of the Sadducees. He believes that there are some things to be observed in it, which are directly opposite to each other, and could not proceed from the same person. But there is no proof of Zerubabel’s having this book digested into order; nor are there any footsteps appearing in it of a dialogue: and if there are opinions which seem to contradict each other, this proceeds from Solomon’s method of disputing pro and con, and proposing the objections of the Sadducees, which he replies to.

The Hebrews, St. Jerom, and the generality of Commentators believe this book to be the product of Solomon’s Repentance; that he composed it some time towards the latter end of his life, when he grew sensible of the vanity of worldly things, began to detest his follies, and return to God. Accordingly we find several marks of his repentance in this book. He tells us in it, that he had studied every thing, which might gratify his senses, had denied himself no pleasure of any kind, and in all these enjoyments had found nothing but vanity. But notwithstanding these reasons, some have made a question, whether Solomon be saved; and his repentance is still at this day a problem in the Church.

The Rabbins inform us, and St. Jerom confirms it after them, that they who collected the Sacred Writings after the captivity, and placed them in the Canon, at first made some difficulty of admitting the book of Ecclesiastes. They had it under consideration, whether or no they should suppress it, by reason of some dangerous opinions which were to be met with in it, and some particular expressions, which might infuse doubts concerning the immortality of the soul; but after deliberation on the matter, it was concluded to re ceive it, as inspired Scripture, in consideration of some expressions towards the close of it, relating to the fear of God, and the observation Eccl. xii. 13.of his laws; and ever since this book has always been esteemed Canonical both by Jews and Christians. It is true, Vide Synod. V. Constant. act. 4.Theodorus of Mopsuesta was of opinion, that Solomon composed it without any particular inspiration; and Philastrius observes, that some Hereticks rejected it, as favouring Epicurism. But these opinions were never followed or approved: and the Church has condemned them, as contrary to the Faith received, and the respect due to the Canonical Scriptures.

Solomon in this book proposes the sentiments of the Sadducees and Epicureans in their full force. He proves excellently well the vanity of all things in this world, the little benefit of men’s restless and busy care, and the uncertainty of their knowledge. He proposes the strongest objections that can be formed against the immortality of the soul; but at last concludes in these terms: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. In this all his obligations terminate, this is the only means to happiness.

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