
The Book of Ecclesiastes
Tremper Longman
(Author)Description
But while Qohelet's question resonates with readers today, his answer is shocking. "Meaningless," says Qohelet, "everything is meaningless." How does this pessimistic perspective fit into the rest of biblical revelation? In this commentary Tremper Longman III addresses this question by taking a canonical-Christocentric approach to the meaning of Ecclesiastes.
Longman first provides an extensive introduction to Ecclesiastes, exploring such background matters as authorship, language, genre, structure, literary style, and the book's theological message. He argues that the author of Ecclesiastes is not Solomon, as has been traditionally thought, but a writer who adopts a Solomonic persona. In the verse-by-verse commentary that follows, Longman helps clarify the confusing, sometimes contradictory message of Ecclesiastes by showing that the book should be divided into three sections -- a prologue (1:1-11), Qohelet's autobiographical speech (1:12-12:7), and an epilogue (12:8-14) -- and that the frame narrative provided by prologue and epilogue is the key to understanding the message of the book as a whole.
Product Details
Publisher | William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company |
Publish Date | November 07, 1997 |
Pages | 322 |
Language | English |
Type | |
EAN/UPC | 9780802823663 |
Dimensions | 9.4 X 6.6 X 1.1 inches | 1.4 pounds |
About the Author
Reviews
"Tremper Longman's commentary on Ecclesiastes is a welcome addition to the NICOT series and a solid contribution to the elusive field of wisdom in ancient Israel. Longman exhibits his literary and theological sensitivities in a very accessible style."
Vox Reformata
"An indispensable resource for those wishing to understand the intricacies of the original text of Ecclesiastes."
Bibliotheca Sacra
"An outstanding contribution to studies on Ecclesiastes."
Hebrew Studies
"On the whole, Longman has provided an up-to-date, conversant and provocative commentary on the ever-difficult words of Qohelet."
The Bible Today
"Scholars and serious students of the Bible will find this an important resource."
Daniel I. Block
"This commentary goes a long way in solving the riddle that is the book of Ecclesiastes. . . Will be highly treasured by those who have opportunity to teach and preach the message of Ecclesiastes."
Richard Schultz
"Longman offers a provocative genre- and structure-based explanation for the divergent perspectives expressed within the book of Ecclesiastes. His thorough exposition of Qohelet's 'meaningless' search for meaning and of the canonical book's final critique of skepticism ultimately points readers toward Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection have restored meaning to life 'under the sun."
Earn by promoting books