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The Story: Rehoboam would not be able to deny Solomon’s claim in verse 9. He would have recalled the visit of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10) and her own astonishment at his father’s wisdom. The Book of Proverbs and the Song of Songs were undoubtedly in wide circulation by this time. Doubtless many people found delight and truth (v. 10) in Solomon’s writings, which he undertook with “pondered and sought out and set in order” and “acceptably” and “upright” – that is, with a view to recapturing the original purpose of God for men (cf. 7.29). Rehoboam would have to agree; and yet, by continuing to rebel against these words, he would show himself to be a fool, committed to a course of vanity and feeding on the wind.
The Structure: Like the writings of Solomon, the Bible has a long track record of proving itself true and useful. It’s important that believers have some basic understanding of all the wonderful, blessed ways the Bible has enabled men to produce good works of charity, culture, and ethical self-sacrifice. Even unbelievers will have a hard time denying the Scripture’s power when we hold up familiar accomplishments for their consideration. By acknowledging the latter and refusing to consider the former, they consign themselves to a place within the stream bed of beauty, goodness, and truth, but beyond the reach of its Source. They’ll find themselves in the slough of despond before long. As Solomon is doing in this coda to Ecclesiastes, so we must do – always in love – with those who stubbornly persist in their unbelief.
Which of the great achievements of the Christian faith are most interesting to you? Try talking with an unsaved friend about this, and see if he agrees as to your assessment.
Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “Remember to Fear the Lord: Ecclesiastes 12,” simply click here.
T. M. Moore
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved