The book of Ecclesiastes is an enigma for many Christians. Pastors and Bible teachers prefer to avoid it, as the standard interpreters seem to find no 'gospel' message in the book. At best it is the despairing portrait of life apart from God.
The positive teaching of Ecclesiastes is that wisdom is central to the civilizational perspective of God's covenant. This wisdom was first embodied in Solomon, whose purpose, however, was to point forward to the Greater Solomon in whom alone is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. But Ecclesiastes stresses that men who do not want a wisdom that is from God and serves His purpose will get vanity instead. Unless the wisdom men pursue is founded on God's word of truth, all their efforts at civilization will come to nothing. For God's curse on all of man's life is a burden that is lifted only in his covenant.
The Burden of God is a guide for serious students of Ecclesiastes, especially those preparing to teach its message. Part I contrasts the wisdom of the Covenant with the humanistic wisdom ideals of pagan cultures. Part II examines the main ideas of each major section of Ecclesiastes in relation to the overall theme of the Preacher.
Michael Kelley is a graduate of Biola University and Westminster Theological Seminary. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from Duquesne University.