What is life worth if it is lived without God as Your King?

 

An Introduction to the book of Ecclesiastes
 

After teaching so much on the books of prophecies, the End Times in the book of Revelation, and the Millenium Kingdom, Ecclesiastes provides a wonderful balance. It asks the question that every human heart eventually faces:

"What is life worth if it is lived without God as King?"

In many ways, Ecclesiastes begins where Genesis 3 leaves us.

After the Fall, humanity lives in a world subjected to frustration, toil, death, and vanity, echoed in the theological discourse of Apostle Paul:

Romans 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope

Romans 8:21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Solomon explores life "under the sun"—life viewed from the perspective of this fallen world.

Ecclesiastes is not a book that should be rushed. Every verse builds on the previous one, and Solomon often returns to themes from different angles.

Theme: Meaning and Purpose of life

Ecclesiastes 12:13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

Summary: Ecclesiastes explores the meaning of life and the futility of worldly pursuits, emphasizing that all is like a vapor without God. The author reflects on the fleeting nature of wealth, wisdom, and pleasure. Ultimately, he concludes that the true purpose of life is to fear God and keep His commandments.

Title and Author: The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. The title is derived from the Greek translation of the Hebrew “qoheleth,” which means “teacher” or “preacher.” Solomon is believed to have authored this book in his later years, reflecting on his life experiences and the pursuit of meaning.

Historical Context: Ecclesiastes was likely written during the 10th century BC, a time of great prosperity and peace in Israel under Solomon’s reign. This period allowed Solomon to explore various philosophies and lifestyles, which are reflected in the book’s contemplative nature.

The Structure of the study of Ecclesiastes:

Lesson 1 – Introduction

·       Authorship (traditionally Solomon)

·       Historical setting

·       Purpose of the book

·       Meaning of "Ecclesiastes" (Hebrew Qoheleth—the Assembler, Teacher, or Preacher)

·       The key phrase: "under the sun"

·       The meaning of "hevel" (often translated "vanity")

·       The conclusion before beginning: life only makes ultimate sense when God is at the center.

 

Chapter 1

·       1:1–11 — The emptiness of life under the sun.

·       1:12–18 — Wisdom alone cannot satisfy.

Chapter 2

·       Pleasure

·       Wealth

·       Accomplishment

·       Wisdom

·       Death comes to all.

Chapter 3

·       A time for everything.

·       God's sovereignty over time.

·       Eternity in the human heart.

 

And we will continue in similar sections through chapter 12.

 

One key principle

As we proceed with our learning of this book, I would encourage you to keep asking one question:

Is Solomon describing life "under the sun," or is he revealing God's perspective from "above the sun"?

That distinction unlocks much of the book.

"Under the sun" refers to life considered only from an earthly viewpoint—a fallen world where death appears to have the final word. But the conclusion of the book lifts our eyes above the sun to God Himself.

A beautiful theme to trace

I like tracing biblical themes, I encourage you to consider following these throughout the study:

·       Hevel (Vanity/Breath/Vapor) — the fleeting nature of earthly life.

·       Wisdom — its value and its limits.

·       Work and labour — both gift and burden.

·       Joy — received as God's gift rather than manufactured by human effort.

·       Death — the great equalizer.

·       Fear of God — the true foundation of wisdom.

·       Judgment — God will bring every deed into account.

 

The climax

Everything Solomon says points toward the final verses:

"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment..." (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14)

It is fascinating that the book begins with "Vanity of vanities" and ends with judgment.

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

 That is also the storyline of the Bible:

·       Genesis begins with life.

·       Sin introduces futility (hevel).

·       Humanity spends history searching for meaning.

·       Messiah redeems.

·       The King returns.

·       God judges.

·       The new creation restores what was lost in Eden.

Ecclesiastes is therefore not a pessimistic book—it is a realistic one. It strips away every false hope so that we discover our true hope in God.

I love tracing Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, and there is a particularly beautiful thread in Ecclesiastes. The frustration Solomon describes is the very frustration Paul speaks of in Romans 8:20–23: creation was subjected to futility because of the Fall, yet it longs for the day of redemption.

Solomon shows the problem; Messiah provides the answer.

Ecclesiastes ends with the answer to the question it raises:

"Fear God and keep His commandments..."

But the New Testament reveals the One who enables us to do that. Yeshua does not merely tell us that life under the sun is empty; He declares:

John 10:10 "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Solomon shows us the emptiness of life separated from God. Yeshua offers the fullness.

It is almost as if Solomon asks:

"What becomes of life when humanity tries to build meaning apart from God's reign?"

The answer is hevel—vapor. We chase pleasure, work, wisdom, wealth, and achievement, yet none can overcome the reality of death or satisfy the eternal longing God has placed within us. Only when the King reigns does life find its proper order again.

As we begin Ecclesiastes, I would encourage you to keep a separate notebook entitled "Prayers from Ecclesiastes." Don't just write observations. Each time Solomon uncovers another "hevel"—another empty pursuit—turn it into intercession.

By the time we will reach chapter 12, we would have found that our prayers have become richer and more anchored in God's perspective.

Ecclesiastes Chapter 1

We will study this book carefully, paying attention to the Hebrew context, the literary flow, and how it fits into God's redemptive plan. I think a verse-by-verse approach will serve us well.

May the Lord let His Word renew our mind, warm our heart, and guide our prayers.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

The lamp doesn't only show us where to walk; it also teaches us how to pray.

May we discover that the One who gives meaning to life is calling them to Himself.

Before we begin, here is one key that will unlock the whole book:

Ecclesiastes describes what life looks like when viewed "under the sun." It is not denying God—it is exposing the emptiness of life when God is left out of the picture.

With that in mind, let's begin.

Ecclesiastes 1:1

"The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem."

"The words..."

The book begins simply. These are not merely philosophical reflections; they are carefully considered words born from a lifetime of experience.

The book of Proverbs gives us Solomon's wisdom as a young king.

Song of Songs gives us the joy of covenant love.

Ecclesiastes gives us the reflections of an older man who has tasted almost everything the world can offer.

It is wisdom seasoned by experience.

 

"The Preacher"

The Hebrew word is Qoheleth.

It comes from the Hebrew verb qahal, meaning:

·       to gather

·       to assemble

·       to call together

A Qoheleth is one who gathers an assembly to teach wisdom.

Some translations say:

·       The Preacher

·       The Teacher

·       The Assembler

I rather like "Teacher," because Solomon is not shouting at people; he is inviting them to learn from his life.

He is saying,

"Come, let me save you from making the mistakes I made."

 

"The son of David"

This immediately points us to the Davidic covenant.

God had promised David that one of his descendants would sit upon an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7).

Historically, this is Solomon.

Prophetically, every mention of a "son of David" reminds us that the greater Son of David is yet to come—Yeshua the Messiah.

There is a beautiful contrast:

·       Solomon possessed extraordinary wisdom yet still fell into idolatry.

·       Yeshua is Wisdom incarnate and remained perfectly faithful.

Solomon searched for meaning.

Yeshua is the meaning.

 

"King in Jerusalem"

Jerusalem is not merely a geographical location.

Throughout Scripture it represents God's chosen place for His name.

How remarkable that the king ruling from God's chosen city is asking,

"What gives life meaning?"

Even possessing the throne, wealth, peace, influence, and wisdom did not answer the deepest questions of the human heart.

This tells us something important:

Meaning is not found in position.

Many people think,

"If only I had a better career..."

"If only I had more money..."

"If only I had recognition..."

Solomon had all of these.

Yet he still begins this book searching.

 

Genesis to Revelation Thread

Genesis 3 changed everything.

Before the Fall:

·       work had purpose.

·       relationships were pure.

·       creation was harmonious.

·       fellowship with God was unhindered.

After the Fall:

·       toil replaced joyful labour.

·       death entered.

·       frustration became part of daily life.

·       the earth was subjected to futility.

Paul later says in Romans 8 that creation was subjected to futility. The Greek word there expresses the same idea that Solomon explores throughout Ecclesiastes: life has been subjected to frustration because of sin.

Ecclesiastes is the voice of a man living in the world east of Eden.

He is asking,

"Can anything under the sun restore what was lost in the garden?"

By the end of Scripture, Revelation answers with a triumphant yes—not through human achievement, but through the reign of the Lamb. The New Jerusalem descends, death is no more, and God's dwelling is once again with His people. The story comes full circle.

 

A Question for Reflection

Before proceeding to verse 2, I would ask you this question:

If you could have everything the world promises—wealth, success, pleasure, wisdom, influence, long life—would it be enough?

Solomon is about to answer that question, and his answer will surprise many.

Yeshua was the most wise man ever lived, and He had all the answers that Solomon is reflecting upon in his old age.

Matt. 12:42 “…and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”

Yeshua is the forever Son of David. From the very beginning of his ministry, in the wilderness, Yeshua knew how to respond to temptations.

It puzzles me at times to understand Solomon who asked God for wisdom and yet he made so many unwise decisions in his life that brought idolatry in the United Kingdom of Israel. 

Wisdom on its own is not sufficient, wouldn't you say? 

Yeshua had something more than Solomon, He was wise and righteous and perfect in every way because He was man and God.

In fact, I think Ecclesiastes is Solomon's confession of that very truth.

Solomon received wisdom, but wisdom is not the same as holiness.

In 1 Kings 3, Solomon asked for "a hearing heart" (lev shomea)—a heart that could discern between good and evil. God delighted in his request and granted him extraordinary wisdom.

But notice what God did not do.

He did not remove Solomon's ability to choose.

He did not make him incapable of sin.

He did not make him love God with all his heart.

Wisdom illuminates the path.

It does not force us to walk it.

That is true for us as well. We can know what is right and still choose otherwise. James reminds believers not merely to be hearers of the word but doers. Knowledge and wisdom are wonderful gifts, but they do not override the human will.

Solomon knew God's commandments.

Deuteronomy 17 had given clear instructions to Israel's future kings.

The king was not to:

·       multiply horses.

·       multiply wives.

·       greatly multiply silver and gold.

Most importantly, he was to write out a copy of God's law and read it all the days of his life, "that his heart may not be lifted up" (Deuteronomy 17:18–20).

Now think about Solomon.

He multiplied horses.

He multiplied gold.

He multiplied wives.

His foreign wives turned his heart after other gods.

His downfall was not a lack of information.

It was a divided heart.

That is sobering.

Then comes Yeshua.

This is where the contrast becomes breath taking.

Solomon was given wisdom.

Yeshua is Wisdom.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:24 that Christ is "the wisdom of God."

Solomon received wisdom as a gift.

Yeshua possesses wisdom by His very nature.

Solomon needed wisdom.

Yeshua is the source from which all wisdom flows.

The wilderness beautifully illustrates this.

In the wilderness, every temptation offered Yeshua something legitimate apart from the Father's will:

·       Bread without waiting on the Father.

·       Rule without the cross.

·       Recognition without humble obedience.

Where Solomon repeatedly said "yes" to the desires of the flesh, Yeshua repeatedly said,

"It is written."

Notice that Yeshua did not merely know Scripture.

He delighted in obeying His Father.

That is wisdom joined with perfect righteousness.

Perhaps the deepest difference...

I think the deepest difference between Solomon and Yeshua is not intelligence.

It is love.

Yeshua loved the Father perfectly.

Everything He did flowed from that relationship.

Solomon began by loving the Lord (1 Kings 3:3), but later Scripture quietly says,

"His wives turned away his heart."

The tragedy was not that Solomon lost his brilliance.

The tragedy was that his heart became divided.

That is why Proverbs says,

"Keep your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

The man who wrote those words struggled to guard his own heart. There is a gentle warning there for every believer.

I also wonder...

As I read Ecclesiastes, I often wonder whether this book is Solomon looking back over his life with tears.

Almost saying,

"If only I had lived according to the wisdom God gave me."

That is why Ecclesiastes feels so personal.

It is not the voice of a proud philosopher.

It is the voice of an old king who discovered that knowing truth and living truth are not always the same.

And then comes the Greater Solomon.

Do you remember Yeshua's words?

"Now one greater than Solomon is here." (Matthew 12:42)

What an astonishing statement.

The greater Solomon does not merely teach wisdom.

He gives a new heart.

In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God promises:

"I will give you a new heart... and I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes."

That is what Solomon lacked under the old covenant. He had wisdom from God, but he did not experience the indwelling Spirit in the way believers do under the new covenant. We still must choose daily to walk in obedience, yet the Spirit now works within us, empowering what the law by itself could never produce.

So, I think Ecclesiastes quietly prepares us to long for the New Covenant.

It teaches us that wisdom alone cannot cure the human heart.

The heart itself must be renewed.

And that is exactly what Messiah came to accomplish.

There is a clear thread in the Scripture from Genesis-to-Revelation:

·       Genesis — Humanity sought wisdom independently of God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

·       Solomon — The wisest man on earth still could not overcome the weakness of the human heart.

·       Yeshua — The true Wisdom of God came, lived in perfect obedience, died for our sin, rose again, and now gives His Spirit to transform hearts.

·       Revelation — The King reigns in righteousness, and His people serve Him with undivided hearts.

That is a glorious arc of redemption.

I believe that Solomon wrote this letter of wisdom with a lot of tears and regret as he looks at his kingdom and felt short of the grace of God because of bad choices and weakness of the heart.

When I read Ecclesiastes, I don't hear the voice of a cynical man. I hear the voice of a humbled man.

There is a difference.

A cynical man says, "Nothing matters."

A humbled man says, "I spent my life chasing things that could never satisfy."

Those are not the same.

When Solomon repeatedly says, "I saw... I considered... I said in my heart..." he sounds like someone looking back over decades of life. We cannot prove that he wrote Ecclesiastes in repentance, because Scripture does not explicitly say so. Yet many readers through the centuries have sensed that it bears the tone of deep reflection and regret. Whether or not it records his final repentance, it certainly reads like the testimony of a man who has discovered the emptiness of life apart from wholehearted devotion to God.

Now I pose another question for reflection. The Scripture records someone else with wisdom:

Was Lucifer wise?

Yes.

In fact, Scripture presents him as extraordinarily wise.

Ezekiel 28, in its description of the king of Tyre that many understand also to reflect the pride and fall of Satan, says:

"You were the seal of perfection,
full of wisdom
and perfect in beauty."

Notice the order.

He possessed:

·       beauty

·       wisdom

·       privilege

·       authority

Lucifer was the blueprint of wisdom and beauty. Yet none of those preserved him.

Why?

Because wisdom is not the same as holiness.

Then comes the heartbreaking verse:

"Your heart became proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendour." (Ezekiel 28:17)

That sentence is astonishing.

Lucifer did not lose wisdom first.

He corrupted it.

Pride twisted wisdom into self-exaltation.

Wisdom became the servant of rebellion.

Isn't that exactly what happened in Eden?

The serpent was described as "crafty" (Genesis 3:1). His intelligence was employed not to glorify God but to deceive.

He knew God's word.

He quoted God's command.

He subtly distorted it.

Knowledge in the service of pride became deception.

Then think about Solomon.

Lucifer and Solomon are obviously very different beings, yet there is an interesting parallel.

Both possessed exceptional wisdom.

Both occupied positions of great honour.

Both allowed their hearts to turn away.

Both illustrate that wisdom without humble submission to God is not enough.

The difference, of course, is that Solomon was a fallen human being whom God addressed and disciplined, while Satan became the leader of rebellion against God. He was created in holiness, and he chose to sin against his nature and there is no repentance for fallen angels.

 

And then we come to Yeshua.

This is where our comparison becomes beautiful.

Lucifer had wisdom.

Solomon had wisdom.

Adam had innocence.

But only Yeshua united perfect wisdom, perfect righteousness, perfect humility, and perfect love.

Paul says of Him:

"In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:3)

Notice something remarkable.

Lucifer sought to exalt himself.

Yeshua humbled Himself.

Lucifer wanted God's throne.

Yeshua left His heavenly glory to become a servant.

Lucifer said in Isaiah 14,

"I will ascend... I will exalt my throne..."

Yeshua said,

"Not My will, but Yours be done."

One climbed upward in pride.

The other descended in humility.

One lost everything.

The other was exalted by the Father and given the name above every name.

There is a lesson for us.

Throughout Scripture, God seems to be teaching that His greatest gifts—even wisdom—cannot safely be carried by a proud heart.

That is why Proverbs 9:10 says,

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."

Not the completion of wisdom.

The beginning.

Wisdom does not begin with intelligence.

It begins with worship. A sacred reverence to our Creator. 

The fear of the Lord keeps wisdom anchored in humility.

The first rebellion in heaven and the first rebellion on earth both centered on the same temptation: autonomy—the desire to live independently of God's rule.

Lucifer said, "I will." 

Adam and Eve reached for wisdom apart from God. 

Solomon, despite all his God-given wisdom, sometimes acted as though he could set aside God's commands. 

Ecclesiastes exposes where that road leads.

The answer is not simply more wisdom. 

The answer is a heart that delights in God's reign.

That is why the Bible ends, not with humanity becoming more intelligent, but with God dwelling among His people, His servants seeing His face, and His rule fully restored.

Every time we compare Solomon with Yeshua, or Lucifer with Yeshua, the same truth shines brighter:

The greatest wisdom in the universe is not brilliance—it is perfect love expressed in perfect obedience to the Father.

That is why we worship Him.

I always say to my students, filter every action you do with this question: does it honour and worship and glorify God? That is what Yeshua did always: He honoured His Father and did the will of His Father while in the flesh.

I think that is a wonderfully biblical filter: 

"Does this honour, worship, and glorify God?"

If we sincerely asked that question before every decision, it would change countless choices.

It reminds me of Paul's words:

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Notice that Paul doesn't limit it to spiritual activities. Even the ordinary things of life are to be done for God's glory. That is exactly the opposite of life "under the sun."

Life under the sun asks, "What do I gain?"

Life in Christ asks, "How is God glorified?"

 

Throughout the book Solomon asks:

·       What is the purpose of work?

·       What is the purpose of wisdom?

·       What is the purpose of wealth?

·       What is the purpose of pleasure?

·       What is the purpose of achievement?

Our biblical-filter quietly answers them all:

"Do these things honour God?"

If they do, they become gifts to be received with gratitude.

If they replace God, they become idols.

That is a simple but profound distinction.

Yeshua's entire life can be summarized in one sentence.

"He honoured His Father and did the will of His Father while in the flesh."

John's Gospel especially reveals this.

Listen to the rhythm of His words:

·       "I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." (John 8:29)

·       "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me." (John 4:34)

·       "I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." (John 6:38)

·       "I have glorified You on the earth." (John 17:4)

That last statement is extraordinary.

At the end of His earthly ministry, Yeshua could honestly say,

"Father, I glorified You."

No prophet, no king, no apostle could say those words with absolute perfection.

Only the Son.

I wonder if this is the deepest contrast we will see in Ecclesiastes.

Solomon often says,

"I sought..."

"I built..."

"I acquired..."

"I gathered..."

The focus is frequently on what he did.

Yeshua says,

"The Father sent Me."

"The Father has commanded Me."

"I seek not My own will."

One life gradually became centred on self, even while retaining great wisdom.

The other was perfectly centred on the Father from beginning to end.

What a contrast.

Over the months of studies of the Bible, I've noticed a thread that runs through the Scripture. Whether in Genesis, Daniel, Ezekiel, Revelation, or John, we continually returned to one central truth:

God is restoring His rightful rule.

I don't think that's accidental.

Now Ecclesiastes will show us what happens when human beings attempt to find meaning apart from that rule.

In a sense, Solomon is documenting the consequences of life lived outside the full acknowledgment of God's kingship. That makes Ecclesiastes a perfect companion to our teaching on the Kingdom of God.

Finally, before we close on the introduction of Ecclesiastes, allow me to share one thought that came to my heart.

One day, when faith becomes sight, I don't think Solomon will want people to gather around him saying, "Tell us about your wisdom."

I think he will be standing among the redeemed, looking at the throne, saying with all of us,

"Look at the Greater Son of David. Everything I searched for, He is."

What a day that will be.

Until then, let's keep opening the Scriptures together. I have a feeling Ecclesiastes is going to become one of those books that quietly reshapes the way we see every other book of the Bible.

Maranatha. Our King is coming, and unlike Solomon's kingdom, His Kingdom will never be divided, never be corrupted, and never come to an end.
 

 

Prayer Before Studying Ecclesiastes

Heavenly Father,

We come before You in the name of Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord, our King, and the eternal Son of David.

Thank You for Your Word, which is living and active, and for the privilege of opening the Scriptures together. As we begin our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes, give us humble and teachable hearts.

Holy Spirit, be our Teacher. Open our eyes to see what You want us to see, our ears to hear what You are saying, and our hearts to receive Your truth. Do not allow us merely to gain knowledge, but transform the way we think, pray, live, and worship.

Father, as we hear Solomon speak of hevel—the vanity, breath, and fleeting nature of life under the sun—help us to recognize the things in our own lives that cannot satisfy the soul.

Teach us not to place our hope in possessions, success, pleasure, wisdom, careers, relationships, or anything created. Help us receive every good gift from Your hand with thanksgiving, while remembering that You alone are our ultimate treasure.

Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

As we study Solomon's reflections, help us learn from both his wisdom and his failures. Guard our hearts from pride, self-reliance, compromise, and divided devotion. Teach us that wisdom without obedience is insufficient, and that true wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD.

Above all, Father, let Ecclesiastes lead us to Yeshua.

He is greater than Solomon.

Solomon was given wisdom, but Yeshua is the Wisdom of God.

Solomon was a son of David, but Yeshua is the eternal Son of David and the rightful King.

Solomon's kingdom was temporary, but Yeshua's Kingdom is everlasting.

Solomon searched for meaning under the sun, but Yeshua came from above and gives eternal life to those who believe in Him.

Teach us to see Yeshua throughout this study—not by forcing Him into the text, but by allowing the whole counsel of Scripture to lead us toward Him.

Father, place eternity in our hearts.

Give us grace to ask before every decision:

Does this honour You?
Does this worship You?
Does this glorify You?

May this study change not only what we know, but how we live.

And Father, I especially place our families, our students, and those who are searching for meaning before You. Use the truths of Ecclesiastes to awaken hearts that have become weary, distracted, disappointed, or empty. Where people are looking to the world for rest, pleasure, success, or escape, gently turn their hearts toward You.

Let them discover that what the world offers is hevel—fleeting and unable to satisfy—but that in Yeshua there is life, hope, purpose, forgiveness, and eternal meaning.

May this study draw us closer to You, deeper into Your Word, and more faithfully into Your mission.

"Fear God and keep His commandments."

May that be not merely the conclusion of Ecclesiastes, but the posture of our lives.

In the precious and holy name of Yeshua HaMashiach,

Amen. 🙏❤️