Derek Kidner 
The Message of Ecclesiastes [EPUB ebook] 
A Time To Mourn And A Time To Dance

Contents

General preface vii

Author’s preface ix

Chief abbreviations x

A. What is this book doing in the Bible?

– a reconnaissance 1

B. What is the book saying?

– a running commentary 9

1. The author, the motto and a survey of the scene (1:1-11) 9

2. The search for satisfaction (1:12 – 2:26) 15

3. The tyranny of time (3:1-15) 22

4. The harshness of life (3:16 – 4:3) 25

5. The rat race (4:4-8) 28

A first summary:

6. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 1:1 – 4:8 30

Interlude:

7. Some reflections, maxims and home truths (4:9 – 5:12) 32

8. The bitterness of disappointment (5:13 – 6:12) 38

A second summary:

9. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 4:9 – 6:12 43

Interlude:

10. More reflections, maxims and home truths (7:1-22) 44

11. The search goes on (7:23-29) 49

12. Frustration (8:1-17) 52

13. Jeopardy (9:1-18) 56A third summary:

14. A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 7:1 – 9:18 61

Interlude:

15. Be sensible! (10:1-20) 63

16. Towards home (11:1-12:8) 70

17. Conclusion (12:9-14) 78

C. What are we to say to this?

– an epilogue 81

Derek Kidner (M.A., A.R.C.M.) was formerly warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He wrote several volumes in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series.