Bible Challenge - Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon

This week we read Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.

Ecclesiastes - the name of the book derives from the root that has to do with an assembly or congregation.  The name of the author would seem to be something like "leader of the assembly".  The book was probably written around 300 BC and the principle theme is laying out what is important and what isn't important in the life of human beings.  Many things are "vanity" - futile in other words.  But ultimately not even wisdom will save.  Main point of the book is the warn us against thinking too highly of our selves or our abilities and to remember the mystery of God's generosity.

The Song of Solomon is a love song.  Both Jews and Christians have read to work as a love dialogue not just between a man and a woman but also as a love dialogue between God and God's people - either God and Israel or God and the church.

There is nothing else in the canon of Scripture that is like this book.

This is the end of part 1 of the Bible Challenge.  Check back in the fall as we pick up the rest of the Bible.