What is life about? In the end, does it all amount to a wisp of vapor, a puff of wind, a mere breath---nothing you can get your hands on--the nearest thing to zero? So says the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes?

With imagination and clarity, Derek Kidner introduces this Old Testament book which speaks so powerfully to our generation. His love of Hebrew poetry and his understanding of biblical mind shine through in his careful passage-by-passage exposition. The full biblical text is included.

CONTENTS

General Preface
Author’s Preface
Chief Abbreviations

Part I: What is this book doing in the Bible? —a reconnaissance

Part II: What is this book saying? —a running commentary
The author, motto and a survey of the scene 1:1–11
The search for satisfaction 1:12–2:26
The tyranny of time 3:1–15
the harshness of life 3:16–4:3
the rat-race 4:4–8
A first summary: A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 1:1–4:8
Interlude: Some reflections, maxims and home truths 4:9–5:12
the bitterness of disappointment 5:13–6:12
A second summary: A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 4:9–6:12
Interlude: Some reflections, maxims and home truths 7:1–22
the search goes on 7:23–29
frustration 8:1–17
jeopardy 9:1–18
A third summary: A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 7:1–9:18
Interlude: Be sensible! 10:1–20
towards home 11:1–12:8

Part III: What are we to say to this? —an epilogue

• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Author: Derek Kidner
• Pages: 110
• Format: Paperback
• Publication Date: August 1984

This item can be returned to ChurchPartner as long as it has not been used, corners are not tattered or curled and is in its original packaging. All returns must be shipped back within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange. All damaged product must be reported within 7 days of receipt. You are responsible for all shipping costs back to our warehouse unless the product was damaged in shipping. Please call us at 800-572-0550 and receive a Return Authorization number to ensure proper credit for the returned item. All credits will be distributed in the same manner as it was originally charged (i.e. credit card credits will be made to the same credit card used for purchase). All credits, with the exception of damaged items, will be for the product cost only, and will not include original shipping charges. Items must be received in resalable condition for credits to be issued. Items damaged during shipping back to our warehouse is the responsibility of the sender and, therefore, you are required to contact the shipping company and settle any disputes. Item returned without a Return Authorization number can be delayed in processing and credits might take 30 days or longer to process.

Located in Westmont, Illinois, InterVarsity Press has been publishing excellent Christian books for more than 50 years. Our current publishing program is focused on three imprints: 1) IVP Books offers general-interest books in categories like Christian living, discipleship, evangelism, missions, apologetics and cultural critique. 2) IVP Academic offers books designed for research and classroom use in areas such as biblical studies, theology, philosophy, science and psychology. 3) IVP Connect offers study guides, multimedia curriculum and foundational resources for churches and small groups.