Old Testament Survey
Lesson 19Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon
In this lesson, we will take a very quick look at the books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. In light of the limits that sin and God place on human existence, Ecclesiastes looks at wisdom and the search for it. Furthermore, it warns us of the hopelessness that comes with trusting in one’s own wisdom, successes, and possessions while living on this earth. The Song of Solomon is a love story, a collection of romantic poetry that expresses God’s love for His creation.
These two "wisdom" books are included in the five "wisdom" books in the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon; and they provide us a look at the life God has given us, its purpose, its shortcomings, and how to live it. This week our study will take a less academic look at God’s Holy Word and a more philosophical look as we study these two books.
Both of these books are short but full of insight. I encourage you to read them both and then consider the following for our study this week:
- Having emphasized that all is "vanity", or meaningless, in life; there are two main points in the book of Ecclesiastes that do indicate what is good, or not vanity. List them below beside the following two references.
- Eccl. 12:13
- Eccl. 5:18-20
- Now, reflect on the book of Ecclesiastes and write out a theme for the book, and for its major divisions. What is it addressing, and how is it organized to do so?
- How is Ecclesiastes applicable today?
- Now, using what you’ve learned from Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes, create a description of a biblically-based worldview and lifestyle. If you’ve never developed a "worldview", the questions below will assist you.
- Who, or what, do you believe about God and the creation of the world?
- Is there more than one god?
- What is your view regarding nature, man, and the presence of good and/or evil?
- Does heaven and hell exist? If so, who gets to go there? Alternatively, what happens when you die if there isn’t a heaven or hell? Is there something called "salvation", and how does it happen?
- What is your view regarding evil in the world? Does God have anything to do with it?
In summary then, the currently held Biblical worldview of the Christian community is encapsulated within these three books of the Old Testament. Furthermore, it is fair to say that reading and studying these three books will reveal much to us about God, Satan, the material world that surrounds us, as well as God’s loving intervention on our behalf -- which will in time provide for the salvation of all who believe in His son Jesus.
- Now summarize the Song of Solomon, or "Song of Songs", and explain what you believe to be its purpose and application today.
In our study of the wisdom literature, we have learned much about this life that God has given us, and we have learned much about God. How marvelous it is that God has chosen to reveal himself and his plans for us, his creation, to us. Although this life may sometimes seem overwhelming, sometimes it seems that only the unrighteous prosper, how great it is that we can still see that God is sovereign and in control. No matter how chaotic or catastrophic our lives may seem, we have the blessed eternal hope that God is with us, will never leave us, and has an eternal plan for us to be present with Him.
Christ our Savior came to earth once to die for us, is now risen from that grave, and will return again so that we may be with Him eternally. Praise God for our salvation and praises to Jesus for his willing sacrifice on our behalf! Tell someone about Christ today, and celebrate Him next Sunday in worship.
Have a great week everyone.
In Christ,
Wes
[2020]