Series editor’s note: 2022 marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of Martin Luther’s translation of the New Testament from Greek into the language of the common German people. This year “Deeper understandings” will feature biblical scholars sharing some of their favorite books of the Bible. In March, Arminta Fox will reflect on 2 Corinthians.
—Kathryn A. Kleinhans, dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, on behalf of the ELCA’s seminaries.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
I must make a confession: The first time I read Ecclesiastes, I found it depressing.
I know the same happens to many people. This isn’t a book we tend to read or study in church, unless it’s at a funeral or on New Year’s Eve. Maybe the only thing that you’ve heard from this book is “For everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)—probably from the Byrds’ song “Turn! Turn! Turn!”
After many years and life experiences, I tried to read it again. Surprisingly, I found it so real and relevant. If you take the time to read it, you may think that its author wrote it last week!
This anonymous postexilic author, traditionally identified as Solomon, observes what’s happening around him and describes many situations we experience today: lack of justice in the courtrooms (3:16); oppression and violence everywhere, and the lack of solidarity (4:1; 5:8), greed and envy (4:4, 7-8; 5:6, 7-13), to name only a few.
He also questions the tradition that obedience brings blessings (possessions, honor, status) and disobedience brings punishment. This formula is not what he sees and experiences in the daily life. This realness and questioning are precisely what makes Ecclesiastes a favorite among young people, as I have discovered.
Solidarity and enjoyment
Why do I like Ecclesiastes and study it? This book invites its readers to solidarity and enjoyment, especially to delight in the simple things of life such as eating, drinking, working and family life. In other words, enjoy what you have today because you never know how long you will be alive.
I’m not talking about the “eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” philosophy (Isaiah 22:13; 1 Corinthians 15:32). The Teacher, as the main character is known in some translations, is aware of the brevity of life. Some in the 21st century believe they are eternal, and they live prioritizing work, with the goal of buying things—a new car, a bigger house, all the latest electronic devices.
The Teacher, however, helps us understand it is nonsense to spend our lives amassing riches and new toys if we can’t enjoy time with our families and can’t practice solidarity with our neighbors.
When I consider the reasons why the Teacher is so focused on the ephemerality of human existence and life experiences, I like Ecclesiastes more. Life’s fleetingness is a logical conclusion after his assessment of reality, considering his sociopolitical setting. The rulers came, offering newness in administration, finances, agriculture and commerce. But they didn’t say that novelty only applies to the powerful, and progress comes with a price for the rest: exploitation and slavery.
Ecclesiastes’ message brings to us hope for the future.
This is “nothing new” (Ephesians 1:9), the Teacher says. Experience has told him that empires come and go.
In this context, the famous “For everything there is a season” verse is a statement of hope. Life will end someday for the rich and for the poor, for rulers and for their subjects. Power doesn’t immunize people against death. Knowing that everything is transient, the Teacher believes that the current imperial rule will end too.
As a Puerto Rican, I see myself and my people reflected in this wisdom writing. The Teacher’s struggles are familiar to colonized individuals like us: trying to make sense of a historical setting where people work and do not see the fruit of their labor (2:21), rulers control the land (5:8-9) and individuals need to be careful of what they say about those in power (10:20).
Ecclesiastes’ message brings to us hope for the future. There is a time for freedom, and it will come. Exploitation and oppression will end. In the meantime, denouncing the ills of society and living in solidarity with others is his advice for survival in times of oppression and injustice.
I encourage you to give Ecclesiastes a try. I suspect you will find it interesting and relevant too.
