Perplexing Observations

As Solomon continues, he turns now and addresses four observations about injustice, oppression, envy in work and the lack of companions. Solomon acknowledges the frustration of both injustice and oppression, offering as our hope the certainty of the justice of God as the final accounting for every person. Solomon once again returns to futility of work, both the emptiness of envy and the constant competition to "get ahead." Solomon also addresses the futility, emptiness of working and having no one with whom to share the benefits. The good gifts of God are best enjoyed with family, friends and acknowledged as gifts from God. The confidence, for believers, is the certainty of the just judgment of God one day. Despite injustice, oppression, envy and futility; God will justly judge everyone.

As Solomon writes Ecclesiastes, as the teacher (Qohelet), he expresses various aspects that everyone experiences in life. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon rehearses the frustration, futility, irony and fleeting nature of life. The difficulties that exist are described throughout Ecclesiastes as hevel or vanity (futility). This theme consistently appears throughout this wisdom literature. Together, all of these frustrations can be rightly engaged, only as we rightly engage God through his revealed word. God offers the perspective and strength that we need to endure the hardships, trials and frustrations that life presents. This is why Solomon calls everyone to fear God and to keep his commands – to follow his instructions. This will not take away the frustrations of life, but it does offer a proper framework by which view them.