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"The words of the Preacher, the son of David"

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:1

A DARK THOUGHT

The thoughts we have in our mind will affect us positively or negatively. Thoughts which are dark must be understood and dealt with carefully. Poorly handled, they can lead to depression!

‘The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher;
‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'”
Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

1. “The words of the Preacher”

a) These were the opening words of the writer.

b) It functions as an introduction to the Book of Ecclesiastes.

2. Identification of the writer

a) He calls himself “the son of David”.

i) David had many sons.

ii) This term was used to identify him as the successor to the Davidic throne.

iii) He confirms the fact that he was indeed the king of Israel.

b) The Preacher

i) The Preacher identifies himself as the author.

ii) This is another way of describing the writer.

iii) What he was saying in his discourse was similar to preaching.

3. “Vanity of vanities… Vanity of vanities, all is vanity”

a) The meaning of the word “vanity”

i) Something ephemeral.

ii) Nothing seemed to be lasting.

iii) Everything seems to be fleeting.

b) A sense of futility

i) This was felt deeply.

ii) It affected the writer immensely.

c) His question

i) To find an answer to this dark and empty feeling of futility.

ii) Ecclesiastes explores the ways and means by which the writer seeks to find a meaningful solution to the dark sense of emptiness he felt.