This book of the Old Testament is written particularly to furnish guidance and counsel for God's people in evil days and times of depression. Its counsel is as timely today as it was when the book was written. It is a book that could easily help the child of God, in Christ, as Divine counsel during evil days!

Author: This has been an on-going debate, so strongly contested, that it detracts form the message of the book! Some attribute the book to Solomon, because of the first two chapters; while others, contribute the book to an un-known author (‘ Koheleth ' – the Preacher), who only takes on the personification of Solomon in the first two chapters to make a point.

I prefer the later description. If you take out the first two chapters, you would never recognize the time of Solomon's rule. The descriptions of the land within the pages of the book describe a different Israel than the apex nation of Solomon's rule. However, which ever course you decide after reading the book, don't let it detract from the simple message of the book!

Date: Like the author, the time of the writing of the book is also a debated topic; either during the reign of Solomon, or at a later date, as described by the conditions of the land within the pages of the letter?

Purpose: The book is written primarily for the godly of Israel . They are the only ones who would give heed to a book like this! Since the times are evil and the godly suffer much, this is primarily a book of comfort.

The chapters after the illustrated folly of Solomon give counsel exclusively for these evil days.

This is set up by the vain life of Solomon as given in the opening.

The man who knows the vanity of all things earthly is prepared for the trials of depressing times !

This is described in the great and final conclusion, note:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all .

Good Reading !