CHAPTER 1

One of the hall marks of inspiration and an evidence of a Divine plan and superintendence in the writing of the

Scriptures is that which is presented by the underlying Structure. This structure is not limited to the disposition of

the subject matter as a whole, but extends to the position and occurrence of words that are employed in a book or an

epistle, and indicates by its presence that certain words are to be considered as key words of a book or epistle. One

such word in Ecclesiastes is the Hebrew word koheleth `The Preacher'. The Greek title of the book `Ecclesiastes' is

nearer to the meaning of the Hebrew koheleth than is the rendering `The Preacher', for the word koheleth speaks of

an assembly and `The Convener' would be a good translation. This appellative is found seven times in the book

which number also is an indication of spiritual importance, and the following disposition of these seven occurrences

seems to be the result of plan rather than of chance.

KOHELETH

A 1:1.

The words of Koheleth.

B a 1:2.

All is vanity.

Koheleth searching by wisdom.

C 7:27.

What Koheleth found.

All is vanity.

Koheleth wise, taught the people.

The words of Koheleth; words of truth.

The structure of these occurrences contains a challenge. Emphasis is placed upon `the words' of Koheleth. What

shall we say of these words? Are they the words of a jaded spirit, a satiated appetite? Are they to be deprecated in

this age of Christian enlightenment? Are they given as a warning, to show us what is not truth? Let the final

member of the series answer. `Koheleth sought to find out acceptable words'. Did he succeed? or was his search in

vain? `And that which was written was upright, even WORDS OF TRUTH'. Here are given three characteristics of the

words that are written in this book. First notice the careful distinction that is drawn between the endeavour to find

suitable words and the result. Koheleth `sought to find out' acceptable words. His search was satisfactory, for that

which was written was in words of truth. Now let us notice the three characteristics.

(1) ACCEPTABLE. - This word has been used in Ecclesiastes before the last chapter, and in three of the passages it

is rendered `purpose' (3:1,17; 8:6). The acceptable words of Koheleth were words that were exactly suited to

express his meaning.

(2) UPRIGHT. - This is the term used in 7:29 to describe the state of man prior to his fall. Such is the character of

the written words of Ecclesiastes.

(3) TRUTH. - This is the word used to describe the law (Psa. 119:142) and commandments (Psa. 119:151). We

have such expressions as `words (sayings) of truth' (Prov. 22:21), `the scripture of truth' (Dan. 10:21), `the law of

truth' (Mal. 2:6).

These three descriptions taken together should cause the believer to hesitate long before setting aside the `words'

of Ecclesiastes as those of a worldly-wise misanthrope.

Returning to our structure, we will next note the complete parallel that exists between the preface and the

conclusion, 1:2 and 12:8. Before we are given any of the processes whereby the conclusion is reached, the

conclusion is stated, `Vanity of vanities, saith Koheleth, vanity of vanities; all is vanity'. It must not be imagined

that Koheleth intimates that his mind was prejudiced before he commenced his research. This writer's preface, like

that of most writers since, had to be written when the whole work was accomplished. He states at the beginning, as