Ecclesiastes
Author
Introduction
Somebody wants to learn about the Wisdom Literature particularly Ecclesiastes, so from the Epistle
to the Ephesians, we will be having lessons on the book of Ecclesiastes. To understand the book of
Ecclesiastes and to really appreciate the value of its arguments we need to understand the writer.
Today we will have a quick look at the author of the book, King Solomon son of King David and
Bathsheba.
I. Name:
A. The name “Solomon” is derived from the root meaning “to be quiet” or “peaceful,”
and Solomon was certainly the least warlike of all the kings of Israel (1 Chr. 22:9).
B. Named by the prophet Nathan, he was called Jedidiah–“loved of Yahweh.” (2 Sam.
12:25).
C. His name in Hebrew compares with Irenaeus in Greek, Friedrich in German, and
Salem in Arabic.
D. Do you know that the name you give to your children will have an effect to their
personality, emotion, and well-being? Be wise when you give your new born baby
his or her name.
II. The reign of Solomon:
A. The reign of Solomon is considered the golden age of Israel.
B. All the tribes of Israel were united and they enjoyed peace and prosperity and
respect from other nations.
C. Solomon reigned for forty years (from 970 to 930 BC). He was the chosen and
divinely appointed successor to his father David.
D. He began his reign at the age of 20 and ended it at the age of 60.
E. At the end of his 40 year reign the nation was divided, and remained divided until its
destruction.
F. The world will not know a united Israel again until the millennial reign of Jesus Christ
III. His Marriage:
A. He married the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt. (1 Kings 3:1)
B. After which time he built a palace for her (I Kings 7:8)
C. Solomon is going to end up with a lot of wives.
D. David conquered his adversaries by force and war, Solomon used and diplomacy
and marriage.
E. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3)
Illustration: Question about marriage
Joseph was married to an Egyptian, the daughter of a priest of On (Genesis 41:45). Solomon married
an Egyptian. Genesis 24:3 prohibited Israelites from marrying Canaanites, but there was no
prohibition in marrying Egyptians (according to some expositors). Can we consider his marriage
legitimate? Remember, Joseph was before the Law, but Solomon was after the Law. By the way
Moses married an Ethiopian (Num. 12:1)
IV. His request for Wisdom:
A. Because of Solomon’s heart God came to him at night as said, ask what you will,
and I will do it. (1 Kings 3:9)
B. He requested for wisdom and understanding heart to judge the people, to discern
between good and evil.
C. Solomon put the good of the people above his own personal interests.
D. Do you give importance for other people? Do you help people who are in need or
you just disregard them? Remember Mat. 25:34-40, Phil. 2:3-4.
E. Physical need is just a small thing. There’s another which is more important.
Spiritual needs. Do you invite people to church or share the gospel to the lost?
F. God promised to fulfil the request and more. (1 Kings 3:12).
G. His wisdom was unique. He was the wisest man who ever lived
H. God have him riches and honor (1 Kings 3:13) and a promise of long life (1 Kings
3:14)
I. However, Solomon died at sixty years of age. Ten years short of a full age.
V. His failure
A. 1 Kings 11:9-10 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was
turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had
commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but
he kept not that which the LORD commanded.
B. What went wrong? How can one who started out well, provoke God’s anger in the
end?
C. What happened in these twenty years to cause such a change. How can a wise man
go from success to failure?
D. His Mistakes
1. He loved God but worshipped God in the wrong way. 1 Kings 3:3 And Solomon
loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed
and burnt incense in high places.
Illustration: Worship
Worship is very important. We must worship God according to the Bible. Any form of worship which
is not scriptural is unacceptable. Do you worship God in Spirit and in truth? Think again. Do you
come to Church to listen to God’s word or to be entertained? Watch out for your heart attitude,
your songs, your giving, your intention. Worship involves giving not only money. It involves time
also. How much time do you give to the Lord? How about your talent? Do you use your talent to
serve Christ? Remember, God have His Son to die for you. We can never out give God. He gave you
all that you have including your very life.
2. He took Canaanite wives, a practice prohibited by God.
Deuteronomy 17:15-17 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the
LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king
over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to
Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath
said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he
multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly
multiply to himself silver and gold. The command not to do was:
a. Not multiply horses
b. Not go back to Egypt to multiply horses
c. Not multiply wives (700 wives and 300 concubines are too much in excess.
3. He put more priority in building his palace than building the temple of the Lord.
(1 kings 6:38, 1 kings 7:1, 1 Kings 9:10) Let’s not forget that the materials for
building the temple are all available and ready even before David’s death. (1 Chr.
22).
4. His idolatry:
a. His wives turned away his heart after other gods. (1 Kings 11:4-8)
b. I would add here his greed, his lust and his pride, caused his down fall.
VI. Conclusion:
Solomon may have been the wisest man, the richest king during his time. We may say
that he has everything a man could want and everything a man could ask for. In spite of
everything he has, he failed miserably for he did not teach his people to be Godly
