The JPS Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes

by Michael V. Fox

The Book of Ecclesiastes is part of the “wisdom literature” of the Bible. It concerns itself with universal philosophical questions rather than events in the history of Israel and in the Hebrews’ covenant with God. Koheleth, the speaker in this book, ruminates on what—if anything—has lasting value, and how—if at all—God interacts with humankind. Koheleth expresses bewilderment and frustration at life’s absurdities and injustices. He grapples with the inequities that pervade the world and the frailty and limitations of human wisdom and righteousness. His awareness of these discomfiting facts coexists with a firm belief in God’s rule and God’s fundamental justice, and he looks for ways to define a meaningful life in a world where so much is senseless. Ecclesiastes is traditionally read on the Jewish holiday Sukkot, the harvest festival.

Genres: Reference, Religion, Judaism, Jewish, Biblical Studies

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Reinhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another valuable commentary on Ecclesiastes. As part of the JPS commentary series, it naturally takes a Jewish perspective. It compares a lot of Rabbinical interpretations from ancient, medieval and modern times. He also shows a number of ancient near eastern parallels, many of which help clarify the rhetorical devices used by The Preacher.

Takes a more unified view of Kohelet than Longman. Fox sees the framing story and integral to the understanding of the book and not as an oppositional framing device by another author. He is much more embracing of the inherent paradox in The Preacher (and in life). His interpretations are sound.

In short, an indispensable commentary on Ecclesiastes. Every reading of Ecclesiastes disgorges more and more wisdom. I am more convinced than ever that were it a free standing book, it would rank with the world’s great wisdom literature.

[Yeshu'aah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stellar commentary on Ecclesiastes. There seems to be a lot of idiomatic content in this particular book of the Old Testament. Luckily, this commentary is particularly strong in the area of providing a readable English translation with the Hebrew idioms intact in the commentary portion.