Under the Sun: Life and Reality in the Book of Kohelet (Das Alte Testament im Dialog / An Outline of an Old Testament Dialogue)

This book presents the Book of Ecclesiastes as a single coherent work, whose ideas are consistent and collectively form a comprehensive worldview. Moreover, in contrast to the prevailing view in the research literature – it presents the Book of Ecclesiastes as a work with an essentially positive outlook: Kohelet’s fault-finding is aimed not at the world itself, or how it functions, but at the people who persist in missing out on the present, on what it has to offer, and of the ability to enjoy all that exists and is available. Contrasting with these are Koheleth’s positive perscriptions to make the most of the present. To my mind, his remonstrations are meant to «clear the way» for his positive recommendations – to clear the path, as it were, of the obstacles to accepting reality. These two aspects, the negative and the positive, come together in this investigation into Koheleth’s belief, which is founded on an acceptance of all that God has created. Back cover: This book presents the Book of Ecclesiastes as a single coherent work, whose ideas are consistent and collectively form a comprehensie worldview. Moreover, in contrast to the prevailing view in the research literature - it presents the Book of Ecclesiastes as a work with an essentially positive outlook: Kohelet's fault-finding is aimed not at the world itself, or how it functions, but at the people who persist in missing out on the present, on what it has to offer, and of the ability to enjoy all that exists and is available. Contrasting with these are Koheleth's positive perscriptions to make the most of the present. To my mind, his remonstrations are meant to "clear the way" for his positive recommendations - to clear the path, as it were, of the obstacles to accepting reality. These two aspects, the negative and the positive, come together in this investigation into Koheleth's belief, which is founded on an acceptance of all that God has created Cover Table of contents Introduction Chapter 1: Escaping from reality Escape to the future On the attempts at insuring against future mishaps On the acquisition of skills, traits, and excellence Against distinction and in praise of the average The relative nature of values Absolute justice versus existing world order Other aspects of coming to terms with realities and limitations Escaping to the past Interim summary Chapter 2: The positive aspect Eat and drink: Between despair and faith Cast Thy Bread Between determinism and free will Concluding observations Chapter 3:Koheleth and his beliefs On justice and injustice Koheleth and his God Interim summary Chapter 4: The opening verses and coda Opening verses (Eccles. 1) Coda (12:1–8) Conclusion Epilogue: The structure of the Book of Ecclesiastes Bibliography Abbreviations: Translations, magazines, series and files