Possible Midterm Questions

Question 1

How does the worldview of Ecclesiastes compare with that of Proverbs? To what extent are they in agreement or conflict?

Question 2

What does Ecclesiastes mean by the word translated “vanity”? Summarize some differing views, and indicate how these explanations are helpful or inadequate.

Question 3

Describe the overall message of Ecclesiastes. What points is the author trying to make, and how does he go about making them?

Question 4

What can we know about when Ecclesiastes was written, and by whom? What evidence can we base this on?

Question 5

What are some of the ways people have tried to explain the contradictions in Ecclesiastes? Which explanation do you prefer and why?

Question 6

Was Qohelet's view of life basically optimistic or pessimistic? What kinds of things was he optimistic or pessimistic about?