Ecclesiastes 11:8
However many years a man may live,
let him enjoy them all.
But let him remember the days of darkness,
for they will be many.
Everything to come is meaningless.
I think most people would react or respond to this verse with some degree of repulsion. I do not know the higher and lower criticism of this text, so I cannot speak to that. However, I am fascinated with the psychological undertones within the text and my own reaction. Why is a futile conclusion such as, "Everything to come is meaningless," so depressing to me? Because even a midst sinful and painful circumstances, my soul longs for a redemptive ending. Why do I think this way? Because I believe the Gospel promises that Good will ultimately triumph over Evil, and to some degree already has. So, how do I interpret Ecclesiastes within a Gospel context? Now I need the help of the Holy Spirit and qualified theologians :-)
I think most people would react or respond to this verse with some degree of repulsion. I do not know the higher and lower criticism of this text, so I cannot speak to that. However, I am fascinated with the psychological undertones within the text and my own reaction. Why is a futile conclusion such as, "Everything to come is meaningless," so depressing to me? Because even a midst sinful and painful circumstances, my soul longs for a redemptive ending. Why do I think this way? Because I believe the Gospel promises that Good will ultimately triumph over Evil, and to some degree already has. So, how do I interpret Ecclesiastes within a Gospel context? Now I need the help of the Holy Spirit and qualified theologians :-)
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