Of Vanity and Labor (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

Previous article in this series: December 15, 2010, p. 129. The opening words of the "Preacher" are in many respects very striking. His identity, which as we have seen is that of Solomon, is stated as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem." But that identity is initially set in the background. He steps before us first of all as the "Preacher" and his "words." His words are "vanity of vanities; all is vanity." This truth we must hear from the outset. It is from this truth as it is developed that...