“All is vanity!” [1:2] is the broken, Ecclesiastic cry. What are we to make of it? In this original translation and commentary, Rev. Dr. Bollhagen suggests that while Solomon faces a sad, sinful world in Ecclesiastes, he nonetheless preaches a childlike and resilient faith in the promises of God. Bollhagen dwells with Solomon on the question, “Where is joy in suffering?” and locates it in the hope of salvation we receive through the person of Christ. Here, the fleeting nature of earthly life is acknowledged, but Ecclesiastes’ Divine wisdom instills both faith in and fear of God.

Included Essays

• Pessimism, Realism, Faith, and Hope in Ecclesiastes
• God’s Wisdom is Divine, and Wisdom Begets the New Creation
• On Riches According to Ecclesiastes