Welcome to Ecclesiastes, a most unusual and exciting book of the Bible. Ecclesiastes has challenged interpreters over many centuries and continues to do so today. The puzzles of the book are numerous. Yet many people, both believers and unbelievers, have recognized its basic theme—that life brings the unexpected, the tragic, and the confusing—and they have found in the author a trustworthy companion for walking through such experiences. The author shows himself to be one who can recognize life’s problems, is not afraid to name them for what they are, and has insight to help us make the most of our existence on this earth. His work may be the most personal book of the Bible, revealing the author’s frustrations, indignation, and reflections on mystery.
– Douglas B. Miller, Ecclesiastes, Believers Church Bible Commentary (Herald Press, 2010).
I’m excited for our summer preaching series on Ecclesiastes! How does this ancient book connect with our modern and post-modern lives today? What can it teach us about lament in our own times of grief? About work as a gift from God? About enjoying life?
Many of these questions recur throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, so our summer sermons will be more thematic rather than moving through the book verse by verse. But as part of this preaching series and to get to know Ecclesiastes for yourself, below is a reading guide to take you through the entire book this summer.
Week of:
June 26 – July 2 Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
July 3 – July 9 Ecclesiastes 2:1-26
July 10 – July 16 Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
July 27 – July 23 Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
July 24 – July 29 Ecclesiastes 5:1-20
July 30 – August 5 Ecclesiastes 6:1-7:12
August 6 – August 12 Ecclesiastes 7:13-8:8
August 13 – August 19 Ecclesiastes 8:9-9:12
August 20 – August 26 Ecclesiastes 9:13-11:6
August 27 – Sept 2 Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14
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