Seeing What Qohelet Saw: The Structure of Ecclesiastes as Alternating Panels of Observation and Wisdom
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
If the content of Ecclesiastes is not hard enough on its own, the fact that there has been no consensus around the structure adds to its difficulty. With this book, there is a strong argument for a structure which draws various threads together and provides a straightforward way to read Ecclesiastes. This book pays close attention to cues in the text and demonstrates how the verb “to see” helps organize the text into panels of Qohelet’s first-person observation, which alternate with panels of his collected wisdom. This book first argues for this structure, and then shows it in practice, working carefully through the individual units to demonstrate how the structure advocated within the book aids the reader in reading Ecclesiastes.
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- Provides a straightforward way to read Ecclesiastes.
- Pays close attention to cues in the text.
- Aids the reader in reading Ecclesiastes.
Anyone who reads Ecclesiastes finds it hard to discern a clear structure. Amid the tangle of proposed structures, Fyfe outlines a way forward. He argues cogently for alternating observation and wisdom panes, with ‘to see’ marking out the former. Highly recommended for those interested in Ecclesiastes and the structure of biblical books.
—Peter Lau, Visiting Lecturer in Old Testament, Sydney Missionary and Bible College
Like Qohelet himself, Fyfe reports what he has seen. His acute observation of the Hebrew text exposes the rhythms and artistry of Ecclesiastes. In doing so, he clarifies the meaning of this elusive book. Scholars and preachers should read this study and be stimulated ‘to find words of delight’ in the wisdom of the Preacher.
—Richard J. Gibson, Principal, Brisbane School of Theology
Fyfe ventures into the enigma of Qohelet’s thought and seeks to wrest a structure from the murkiness of the ancient sage’s rambling. Fyfe argues for a deliberate pattern of alternating observation and wisdom, such that there may indeed be meaning within the apparent meaningless of Qohelet’s monologue
—George Athas, Director of Research, Moore College
- Title: Seeing What Qohelet Saw: The Structure of Ecclesiastes as Alternating Panels of Observation and Wisdom
- Author: Douglas R. Fyfe
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 132
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- ISBNs: 9781666702453, 1666702455
- Resource ID: LLS:SNGWHTBSRVTWSDM
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-11-25T16:37:51Z