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  • From: James Read <J.Read-2 AT sms.ed.ac.uk>
  • To: K Randolph <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>
  • Cc: B-Hebrew <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Translation theory and NP$
  • Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:47:53 +0100

Hi,

it may well be that Solomon was aged when he penned these words. However, consider the conclusion of the document:

The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man. For the God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad.

These don't seem like the words of an apostate with no hope in God. They seem like an apt conclusion to a long lamentation about the futility of pursuing a godless life. They may be the words of a young and wise Solomon (god given wisdom) or they may be the words of an old, wise and penant Solomon (wisdom through ageing and the experience of having made many mistakes, therefore repentance). Either way they do not come accross as the message of an apostate but rather as one with a godly message:

'Live life to god (maybe with hope in a resurrection (see David's Psalms)) as there is no activity in Sheol'

James Christian

Quoting K Randolph <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>:

James:
Ecclesiastes also tells us that everything is “hebele” futility.

While I have had disappointments in life, life has been anything but
futility.

Some claim that this was written late in life, when Solomon was in his
apostasy. I see no reason to disagree. As such it is included in Tanakh to
show the futility of life without God, not as a trustworthy guide to true
understanding of God’s ways. And that will include what will happen in $)WL.

Karl W. Randolph.

On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 10:44 AM, James Read <J.Read-2 AT sms.ed.ac.uk> wrote:


Ecclesiastes tells us that there is no work or play in $)WL.

All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no
work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in She´ol, the place to which you
are going. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

The idea, to me, seems to be a place of complete inactivity. A common
grave/resting place for all mankind.

James Christian



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