Authors

The Words of Qohelet

September 1, 2023

Life is Best Lived Pursuing Jehovah “One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever” (Ecclesiastes 1:4). — Len Griehs Written late in life after the author had indulged in a prolonged period of sensuous pleasures, the book of Ecclesiastes concludes that life is best lived pursuing Jehovah and His righteousness. The author shares his observation at the very beginning: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanity, all is vanity” (verse 2). “Vanity” in the AV, […]

A Life of Experiences

September 1, 2023

A Heart to Seek Wisdom “I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek and search out wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-13). — David Wiant Few in history can claim the gift of wisdom from Jehovah. Solomon was one of them. When he became king of Israel, he knew that he would fail without […]

Observations About Life

September 1, 2023

A Time for Every Purpose “For every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose [or matter] under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1. Scriptures from RVIC unless otherwise noted). — Keith Belheumer King Solomon was one of the most celebrated kings in Jewish history. Being one of David’s sons (2 Samuel 5:14), he was called Jedidiah by Jehovah through the prophet Nathan. The name means “beloved of Jehovah.” However, his mother Bath-sheba named him Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24-25). Solomon reigned for […]

Reflections of the Preacher

September 1, 2023

A Recurring Theme “A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). — Noah Amoo The Book of Ecclesiastes is a book of reflections. While it is agreed that the writer was Solomon, the author calls himself “The Preacher.” His reflections on life consider his personal circumstances given the wisdom with which God blessed him. He asks many questions about various situations in life and concludes that life, whether poor or […]

Wise Counsel

September 1, 2023

Relationships Above Things “Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 4:7, texts from ASV). — Ken Allison The phrase “under the sun,” occurs only in the book of Ecclesiastes, some 29 times. Solomon uses it to describe an earthly life, notably without direction from or respect for, Jehovah. He saw and experienced self‑indulgence, which left him frustrated and unsatisfied. He eventually saw that appreciating the beauty of God’s creation and feeling His presence gave the only true satisfaction. The […]