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Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World
What can we expect from life in a fallen world? How are we to live as redeemed people in such a world? In 22 concise chapters, Benjamin Shaw shows that the answers to these questions are to be found in the message of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. Whereas some commentators have viewed the book of Ecclesiastes as an alien intrusion into the Old Testament, and have deemed it of little use for the New Testament believer, Benjamin Shaw does not hold to this misguided view.
In this commentary, designed to be used by non-specialists, he shows that this divinely inspired book is far from being the muddled collection of disparate voices it is sometimes presented to be. He demonstrates that in reality, Ecclesiastes is an integral part of the word of God, and conveys a very distinct message to all who are willing to listen to its wisdom.
In this commentary, designed to be used by non-specialists, he shows that this divinely inspired book is far from being the muddled collection of disparate voices it is sometimes presented to be. He demonstrates that in reality, Ecclesiastes is an integral part of the word of God, and conveys a very distinct message to all who are willing to listen to its wisdom.
- GenresTheology
168 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2019
9 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 5, 2019
Yes, I'm reviewing my own book. I had to read it for a podcast this afternoon and an episode of "Renewing Your Mind" tomorrow. It's pretty good. There are some things that I would change, but by and large I'm comfortable with it. I hope you find it helpful.
November 22, 2022
This book was more of a commentary which wasn’t what I was expected when I got it. It grew on me though. There are some good insights in here and now I just want to devote some more time to studying/meditating on Ecclesiastes because I think my soul might need that.
July 28, 2021
Shaw has written a conservative, short commentary to help the student of Ecclesiastes. He holds to the author being Solomon, written later in life, as well as an optimistic view of the theme. I often found some good help and original thought in interpreting the meaning of the text. A few times, Shaw takes some interesting interpretations that were not at all agreeable to my exegesis of the text. But overall, this little commentary gave helpful insights that made their way into my sermons. Recommended for anyone teaching or preaching through Ecclesiastes, or anyone just trying to get a better understanding of the book.
March 23, 2024
This commentary had a unique spin on the book of Ecclesiastes one they at first glance seemed to contradict the other books I read but as I got into it, really into it, I found that it totally matched and deepened the other books. So so good. Recommended
April 14, 2024
Solid commentary that I used for my Bible study this spring with the sophomore guys. Some chapters were way more helpful than others but I appreciated that this one covered the whole book cause the other one I used left out about half of the book so this was a great pair with that. Ecclesiastes is definitely my favorite Old Testament book and probably my favorite book of the Bible!
January 19, 2021
Very helpful in my study to get a clearer understanding of Ecclesiates.
September 25, 2019
Benjamin Shaw finds a helpful message in Ecclesiastes that he delivers in this book. Since most modern works on Ecclesiastes tell us that we can find nothing more than a dark, depressing diatribe on its pages, this book is a breath of fresh air! In my view, though I readily admit both a need and use of modern exegetical commentaries, I’m convinced that works of this sort are equally needed. Whether you fully agree with Mr. Shaw or not, you will have to love how he opens up the positive possibilities of Ecclesiastes.
In the brief forward, Mr. Shaw makes us feel that we are trusty hands. He has no doubt about Ecclesiastes place in the canon of Scripture, he has no trouble seeing a clear message on its pages, and he has no disdain to say that Solomon is its author. If you survey works on Ecclesiastes, you will soon discover how difficult it is to find works that abide by these three simple, conservative viewpoints. By default, this book’s going to give you some helpful things that some books many times larger have no hope of delivering.
As the subtitle suggests, he sees Ecclesiastes as a book that will help the believer live in a fallen world. I might quibble with a few of his observations, but feel he provides insights in all 22 of his chapters of the most helpful nature. Whether it be pastors preparing messages, Sunday School teachers working out lessons, or any Bible student just attempting to dig out the Word of God, you can’t go wrong with this book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In the brief forward, Mr. Shaw makes us feel that we are trusty hands. He has no doubt about Ecclesiastes place in the canon of Scripture, he has no trouble seeing a clear message on its pages, and he has no disdain to say that Solomon is its author. If you survey works on Ecclesiastes, you will soon discover how difficult it is to find works that abide by these three simple, conservative viewpoints. By default, this book’s going to give you some helpful things that some books many times larger have no hope of delivering.
As the subtitle suggests, he sees Ecclesiastes as a book that will help the believer live in a fallen world. I might quibble with a few of his observations, but feel he provides insights in all 22 of his chapters of the most helpful nature. Whether it be pastors preparing messages, Sunday School teachers working out lessons, or any Bible student just attempting to dig out the Word of God, you can’t go wrong with this book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 3, 2022
This is a short book on a tough book of the Bible that packs a punch!
Ecclesiastes is a book that is rarely read, and highly misunderstood. Shaw, bringing his academic resources to bear, helps to address the misconceptions of this book, while being faithful to the text.
I like how he provides a translation of each verse of Ecclesiastes at the start of each chapter. The translation slightly differ from our bibles, but he does this, in order to remain faithful to the text and does not shy away from admitting how some texts are difficult to translate. For such texts, he makes his best attempt to explain his views, while acknowledging the views of others.
One of the reasons why this book is worth reading is because it does not shy away from the hard truths of living in a fallen world. Critics say that Ecclesiastes is too pessimistic but what will be our views, if we have the perspective of God, who sees all things, knows all things, and have an infinite perspective of time? If we take this view, then perhaps, we can appreciate that there is much wisdom in Ecclesiastes.
It is a book that can be read in a day. But take your time. Savour Shaw’s perspective. Read with your Bible at hand, and see how despite the vaporous nature of life, there is still joy and hope in fearing God and keeping his commandments.
Ecclesiastes is a book that is rarely read, and highly misunderstood. Shaw, bringing his academic resources to bear, helps to address the misconceptions of this book, while being faithful to the text.
I like how he provides a translation of each verse of Ecclesiastes at the start of each chapter. The translation slightly differ from our bibles, but he does this, in order to remain faithful to the text and does not shy away from admitting how some texts are difficult to translate. For such texts, he makes his best attempt to explain his views, while acknowledging the views of others.
One of the reasons why this book is worth reading is because it does not shy away from the hard truths of living in a fallen world. Critics say that Ecclesiastes is too pessimistic but what will be our views, if we have the perspective of God, who sees all things, knows all things, and have an infinite perspective of time? If we take this view, then perhaps, we can appreciate that there is much wisdom in Ecclesiastes.
It is a book that can be read in a day. But take your time. Savour Shaw’s perspective. Read with your Bible at hand, and see how despite the vaporous nature of life, there is still joy and hope in fearing God and keeping his commandments.
July 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book/commentary.
I found it kind of like a reader's guide to Ecclesiates.
It is a verse by verse commentary in that Shaw does go through each and every verse explaining his thoughts about it and guiding the reader to see it in the immediate and larger context of the whole book. But it also felt friendly and intimate and he explained his thoughts and explanations and continually reminded the reader about the purpose of the book.
I would be eager to find more commentaries written like this, that are exegetical but not overly academic, and in a sense devotional.
I found it kind of like a reader's guide to Ecclesiates.
It is a verse by verse commentary in that Shaw does go through each and every verse explaining his thoughts about it and guiding the reader to see it in the immediate and larger context of the whole book. But it also felt friendly and intimate and he explained his thoughts and explanations and continually reminded the reader about the purpose of the book.
I would be eager to find more commentaries written like this, that are exegetical but not overly academic, and in a sense devotional.
December 23, 2022
I removed one star because it did not cover ALL chapters of Ecclesiastes which left me the feeling of "unfinished." Otherwise, excellent work in examination of Ecclesiastes and give me a nice broader perspective and practical life application. I'm using this for the teaching on Wedneday Bible study. I look forward to it.
April 24, 2021
I found this book to be invaluable for my personal study of Ecclesiastes. It was clear, accessible, and covered all the natural questions I had about a challenging book. It was enjoyable and not overly complex or long. It is useful for personal study and understanding.
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December 28, 2022Very good commentary for any lay person wanting more background. Easily used as a companion book when reading through Ecclesiastes.
January 24, 2023
I've never read Ecclesiastes before so this was really good and gave a lot to think about
April 6, 2023
Good but a little more basic than I was hoping for. Still looking for a really good, indepth, lay commentary.
December 16, 2024
Benjamin Shaw is a master at brevity and clarity. And I am a lover of good proverbial literature. Five stars. Will likely read again.
January 12, 2023
What an eye opener to Ecclesiastes
November 11, 2019
Shaw provides a proper framework to understanding Ecclesiastes at the beginning and this appears again and again in the various chapters. Where some commentators throw up their hands and say “Vanity” Shaw helps you see what is taking place.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews