Read Ecclesiastes 1.1-11. In verse 1: Superscription. Like many Psalms, the book begins with an editorial comment; it alludes to Solomon. Teacher: Hebrew Qoheleth; a form of "qhl" ("assembly"), its meaning is not clear. In verse 2: The book's theme. Vanity in Hebrew "hevel," meaning "vapor, wind," things transient and impermanent. Vanity of vanities in Hebrew superlative: The most insubstantial thing. In verse 3: The dominant question. Is there any benefit from life? The reader is introduced to vocabulary that will be repeat throughout the book: Under the sun refers to wearisome earthly existence, and toil bears a negative connotation. In verses 4-11: Nothing ever changes. The Teacher laments the inability of human activity to alter the flow of existence. The sun, wind, and streams repeat their predictable, " no sum" circuits, just as human are never satisfied with what they see or hear. In verses 10-11: Throughout the book, the Teacher grieves that even the righteous ones are not remembered after death. Comments or Questions..
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