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  • From: James Read <J.Read-2 AT sms.ed.ac.uk>
  • To: Uri Hurwitz <uhurwitz AT yahoo.com>
  • Cc: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] qohelet
  • Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:39:58 +0100

Hi,

Quoting Uri Hurwitz <uhurwitz AT yahoo.com>:

    Dear Bryant,

   As to the content: I do not know any other book in the HB which presents a point of view similar to that found in Qohelet, such as in  1:1-11, or 9:1-6 to cite just two passages of many. Not only are they different, they contradict the spirit of  other books. I find similarities between such deeply pessimistic, or nihilistic attitude,and some Hellenistic philosophers.


I've heard this view many times. I think the whole book needs to be read and taken in its entire context before making such statements. The conclusion of the book makes it quite clear with what spirit the book was written and what its fundamental message to readers is:

The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the [true] God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole [obligation] of man. For the [true] 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 (Qohelet 12:13,14)

James Christian

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