Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World PDF

Author: Arthur Jan Keefer

Publisher:

Published: 2022

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781009110082

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"In this book, Arthur Keefer offers a timely assessment of Ecclesiastes and what it has to do with the meaning of life. Drawing on recent psychological research, he argues that this Hebrew Bible text associates the meaning of life with various types of suffering in life. Keefer here situates Ecclesiastes within its ancient intellectual world. Offering an analysis of contemporary texts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, he demonstrates that concerns about meaning and suffering were widespread in the greater Mediterranean world. Ecclesiastes, however, handled the matters of suffering and meaning in an unprecedented way and to an unprecedented degree. With its rigorous commitment to precise definitions of life's meaning, Keefer's book provides a comprehensive set of definitions for "the meaning of life" as well as a conclusive point of reference for interpreters of Ecclesiastes. It also opens avenues for the interdisciplinary interpretation of texts from the ancient world"--

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World PDF

Author: Arthur Jan Keefer

Publisher:

Published: 2022

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781009112079

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

"In this book, Arthur Keefer offers a timely assessment of Ecclesiastes and what it has to do with the meaning of life. Drawing on recent psychological research, he argues that this Hebrew Bible text associates the meaning of life with various types of suffering in life. Keefer here situates Ecclesiastes within its ancient intellectual world. Offering an analysis of contemporary texts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, he demonstrates that concerns about meaning and suffering were widespread in the greater Mediterranean world. Ecclesiastes, however, handled the matters of suffering and meaning in an unprecedented way and to an unprecedented degree. With its rigorous commitment to precise definitions of life's meaning, Keefer's book provides a comprehensive set of definitions for "the meaning of life" as well as a conclusive point of reference for interpreters of Ecclesiastes. It also opens avenues for the interdisciplinary interpretation of texts from the ancient world"--

The World English Bible (WEB): Ecclesiastes

The World English Bible (WEB): Ecclesiastes PDF

Author: Anonymous

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2020-03-16

Total Pages: 28

ISBN-13:

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"The World English Bible (WEB): Ecclesiastes" narrates the words of Kohelet. As king, he has experienced everything and done everything, but concludes that nothing is ultimately reliable, as death levels all. Kohelet states that the only good is to partake of life in the present, for enjoyment is from the hand of God. Everything is ordered in time and people are subject to time in contrast to God's eternal character. The world is filled with injustice, which only God will adjudicate. God and humans do not belong in the same realm, and it is therefore necessary to have a right attitude before God. People should enjoy, but should not be greedy; no one knows what is good for humanity; righteousness and wisdom escape humanity.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes PDF

Author: John Goldingay

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2021-11-01

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 1725273160

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Ecclesiastes is the most surprising book in the Scriptures. It challenges its readers to reconsider what they think life is about and how far it is possible to understand God’s involvement in the world. This commentary seeks to help people enter the world of Ecclesiastes and see how it can increase their understanding of God and of themselves.

What the Bible is All About Visual Edition

What the Bible is All About Visual Edition PDF

Author: Henrietta C. Mears

Publisher: Gospel Light Publications

Published: 2007-02-05

Total Pages: 456

ISBN-13: 9780830743292

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With more than 500 full-color photos, illustrations, maps and charts, What the Bible Is All About® is the most interesting and user-friendly Bible handbook ever! A perfect introduction to the Bible for new believers, yet this valuable resource is comprehensive enough for pastors, Sunday School teachers and seminary students. You will appreciate the easy-to-use, visually engaging format as you witness the Bible unfold before your eyes. Discover What the Bible Is All About®—the world’s best-selling Bible handbook!

Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World

Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World PDF

Author: Russell L. Meek

Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers

Published: 2022-02

Total Pages: 80

ISBN-13: 1683074165

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This unique book combines memoir, exegesis, and theological reflection to demonstrate the ongoing significance of the book of Ecclesiastes to the Christian life in the twenty-first century. Through exegesis of Old Testament passages and theological reflections on Ecclesiastes, the author deals with issues of abuse, trauma, and forgiveness. For thousands of years, God's grace and glory have been shining in the stories and poems of broken people: the Psalms give voice to our darkest moments of pain and anger, showing us that God welcomes our rawest emotions; Ecclesiastes and Job help us confront suffering and injustice in life; and the failures of Noah, Jacob, and David help keep us tethered to the God of the Bible. These stories and poems still speak to the brokenness of humans today, beckoning us into the arms of the God who made us and loves us even though we too are riddled with sin, hurt, and a longing to be loved. By working through the book of Ecclesiastes, we can let the Teacher's words seep into our hearts and shape our understanding of who God is and how he helps us navigate this upside-down world. This short and engaging book enables us to see how one part of the Old Testament--Ecclesiastes--can help us navigate a world in which things do not always turn out as they should.

Old Testament Wisdom Literature

Old Testament Wisdom Literature PDF

Author: Craig G. Bartholomew

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2014-06-04

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 0830898174

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The books of Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are rooted in the order created by the one true God. Their steady gaze penetrates to the very nature of created reality and leads us toward peace and human flourishing. Craig Bartholomew and Ryan O'Dowd tune our ears to hear once again Lady Wisdom calling in the streets. Old Testament Wisdom Literature provides an informed introduction to the Old Testament wisdom books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. Establishing the books in the context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions and literature, the authors move beyond the scope of typical introductions to discuss the theological and hermeneutical implications of this literature.

Three Philosophies of Life

Three Philosophies of Life PDF

Author: Peter Kreeft

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2009-12-08

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13: 1681495910

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"I've been a philosopher for all my adult life and the three most profound books of philosophy that I have ever read are Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs." These are the opening lines of Kreeft's Three Philosophies of Life. He reflects that there are ultimately only three philosophies of life and each one is represented by one of these books of the Bible-life is vanity; life is suffering; life is love. In these three books Kreeft shows how we have Dante's great epic The Divine Comedy played out, from Hell to Purgatory to Heaven. But it is an epic played out in our hearts and lives, here and now. Just as there is movement in Dante's epic, so there is movement in these books, from Ecclesiates to Job, from Job to Song of Songs. Love is the final answer to Ecclesiastes' quest, the alternative to vanity, and the true meaning of life. Finally, Kreeft sees in these books the epitome of theological virtues of faith, hope and love and "an esstential summary of the spiritual history of the world".