The author of the book writes under
the title of Teacher, the Hebrew for which is ‘Qohelet’ (pronounced
‘ko-heh'-leth’). Writers have explained this title as follows:
“He is called Qohelet, which is not
his given name, but rather a pseudonym. The verbal root of the name means “to
assemble,” thus his name… is literally translated “assembler.” Common English
translations, “Preacher” or “Teacher,” are a result of guessing what type of
group Qohelet is gathering to instruct.”[1]
The ‘Teacher’ is writing with the style and wisdom of a
“super-Solomon”.[2]
The author is unlikely to be Solomon for the following reasons;[3]
1. It’s unlikely that Solomon would hide
his identity.
2.
It would be strange for Solomon to say "…I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has
ruled over Jerusalem before me…" (Ecclesiastes 1:16), when his only
predecessor was David.
3. It would also be strange for Solomon
to use past-tense in Ecclesiastes 1:12, since he was king over Israel till his
death (cf 1 Kings 11:41-43).
4. The background to the book doesn’t
fit the prosperous and peaceful age of Solomon. The background to the book
describes “…a time of misery and vanity
(1:2-11); the splendour of Solomon’s age was gone (1:12-2:26); a time of death
had begun for Israel (3:1-15); injustice and violence were present (4:1-3);
there was heathen tyranny (5:7, 9-19); death was preferred to life (7:1); “one
man ruled over other men to their hurt” (8:9).”[4]
[1]
(Dillard and Longman III 1995, 248) , see also (Eaton 1983, 23f) , (Fee and Stuart 2002, 154)
[2]
(Kidner, The Message of Ecclesiastes 2005, 22)
[3]
(Dillard and Longman III 1995, 249f)
[4]
(Dillard and Longman III 1995, 250)
Bibliography: http://theworldunderthemicroscope.blogspot.co.uk/#!/2012/09/bibliography.html
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