Ecclesiastes

Reformed Expository Commentary

by Douglas Sean O'Donnell

Douglas O’Donnell shows, in this redemptive-historical, biblical, practical, and expositional commentary, that Ecclesiastes answers two key questions that worry everybody in the depths of their minds. The first is “What does man gain from all the toil at which he toils under the sun?”―the answer being “nothing.” The second “In light of such vanity―the fact that our work and knowledge and pleasures and possessions are ultimately made futile by death―how then should we live this temporary life under the sun?” The answer is surprisingly we are to abandon human illusions of self-importance, put aside all pretense of pride, and embrace divine wisdom. “The Preacher” of Ecclesiastes says that this is “the end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (12:13). O’Donnell explains how these two key ideas inform the text of Ecclesiastes and the practical instruction that flows from them.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 21, 2014

About the author

Doug O'Donnell is the Senior VP of Bible Publishing at Crossway Books. He has authored or edited over a dozen books, including commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew, the Song of Songs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and 1-3 John. He earned his PhD from the University of Aberdeen.

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good collection of expositional sermons.

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most "collection of packaged sermons" commentaries -- helpful for main points, structure, illustrations, applications, etc; less helpful in the basic task of exegesis.

[Brian Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent commentary. Great balance of comments on the original languages/text, structure, and then very helpful illustrations throughout. Highly recommended.

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

O’ Donnell has written a resource that will bring about a real joy in Christ that doesn’t tidy up the messy realities of living in a cursed world. Every chapter is faithful to the text of Ecclesiastes, rich in application, and Christ-centered. The whole journey through the book brought me to anger, sorrow, and joy. It’s as if O’ Donnell was exposing the wounds of living in a cursed world, the wounds we all try to mask or numb, and bandaged those wounds over and over again with the soothing news of the Gospel.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very approachable and pastoral commentary on a most difficulty and challenging book.

[Will Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I preached through Ecclesiastes I found O'Donnell's commentary the most helpful. Solid exegesis. Good illustrations. Consistently helpful.

Ecclesiastes is a book about life under the sun, life apart from God. And it is meant to weigh us down, to drive us to the only source of hope - God in Christ. O'Donnell concludes, "Ecclesiastes was written to depress you. It was written to depress you into dependence on our joyous God and his blessed will for your life" (221).

How do we end the vanity of this life? We fear God ("trembling trust") and we obey him.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read or referenced several other commentaries, I found this to be the most helpful balance of scholarly work, practical application, devotional material, and sermon fodder. It is a good companion to Akin and Akin's "Exalting Jesus in Ecclesiastes" from the "Christ-Centered Exposition" series. But If had to choose only one for assistance in sermon-prep, it'd be O'Donnell's.

[Jilleebean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary on a difficult book of the Bible. This is not too scholarly for a layperson to read. Instead, it offers good insight and practical application of the Teacher's words in Ecclesiastes. I've been reading it in conjunction with my pastor's sermon series on the book of Ecclesiastes for further study. I highly recommend it.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful pastoral commentary of Ecclesiastes. This commentary is a collection of 17 sermons through the book of Ecclesiastes. It's accessible to lay people if you are looking to tackle this book. It is not the best of the pastoral commentaries that I have read on Ecclesiastes, but it is a decent contribution to this commentary series.

[Chris Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theologically precise, concise and pastorally brilliant. O’Donnell has done the church a great service by taking one of the most complex books in the Bible and making its meaning plain and applicable.

[Cbarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful expositional commentary; poignant applications.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” C. T. Studd

Everyone wants to live a meaningful life, even atheists, who believe that man is a product of chance. Yet, too many find their own lives meaningless. Many spend their lives pursing after fame, riches and pleasure. Yet they never seem to give meaning to our lives.

Donald Sean O’Donnell has written an extremely helpful and readable commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes. This certainty is not an easy feat as O’Donnell states in his introduction that Ecclesiastes is not an easy book to understand. Further O’Donnell has also aimed to help the readers read Ecclesiastes christocentrically showing how even in Ecclesiastes, Christ is present.

O’Donnell takes the traditional view that Solomon is the preacher in Ecclesiastes and does not bore the readers with the details about why he thinks it is so. He does however gives some justification on why he think Solomon is the preacher. Next, O’Donnell moves on to preach the text section by section.

In general, I do like O’Donnell’s preaching, he’s uses jokes and illustrations very appropriately, often being able to laugh at himself. But the real stuff that this commentary comes out with is the biblical teachings that comes out from the text. O’Donnell takes the text and explains it to the readers. After explaining, he then brings out the application of the verses. More importantly, O’Donnell consciously always points the text to Jesus, making it thoroughly Christ-centered sermons.

I do encourage pastor to purchase this if they intend to preach through Ecclesiastes. Two benefits can be derived from it, first, it helps you grow devotionally, to mediate on the scripture, next, it helps growing in your preaching, to be better at it, and to bring your congregation to Christ. Those seeking technical help on Ecclesiastes ought to look at other commentaries to compliment it, but this is still a great standalone commentary on it’s own.

Rating: 5 / 5

Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Scott Guillory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really insightful commentary on Ecclesiastes. Also very engaging and readable. O'Donnell also gave great illustrations to explain difficult principles in Ecclesiastes. I mean, any commentary that mentions the movie "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and Justin Bieber songs is ok in my book. (Not that I like him or his music in any way.) ;-)

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has spurned me on to read and study more on Ecclesiastes.

"Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment." Eccl. 11:9

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful expository commentary. Well written.