Abstract of Thesis
A critical issue in interpreting the book of Ecclesiastes is the determination of Qohelet’s primary purpose. This thesis argues that Qohelet is driven by a quest to evaluate the aims and results of human vocation for the purpose of guiding the reader towards a preferable mode of living. Qohelet is primarily concerned about whether human labour is able to achieve its intended goals, thus teleology is the main lenses through which to interpret the book. Ecclesiastes can be structured within a framework of Qohelet’s negative critiques of futile work and his positive advice for effective living. Essential to understanding the theme of the work is a knowledge of the key work (עמל,עשה ,ענין ) and benefit (יתרון, טוב, שמחה, חלק) terms in Ecclesiastes. The הבלmotif establishes both the perpetual nature of a corrupted world and specific instances of human futility in vocation. In Qohelet’s observations of human work, he highlights numerous הבלscenarios wherein people fail to achieve their aspired aims and gives analysis of the futility. Integral to determining the worth of work is an understanding how human accomplishments fit within the wider scheme of the events of life. This knowledge is beyond human wisdom and knowledge capabilities, which frustrates an accurate assessment of the worth of work. Qohelet’s heuristic method first “tears down” human labour in order to “build up” human work through the fear of God and the use of wisdom. In the enjoyment passages and wisdom admonitions Qohelet gives advice on modes of living which emphasize the divine bestowal of benefits from labour along with the advantages of applying wisdom. Though the book begins on a negative note in his critiques of human vocation, Qohelet ends on a positive note, with a promise of hope that human work in this life “under the sun” has true value.
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