Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World

by Russell L. Meek

This unique book combines memoir, exegesis, and theological reflection to demonstrate the ongoing significance of the book of Ecclesiastes to the Christian life in the twenty-first century.

Through exegesis of Old Testament passages and theological reflections on Ecclesiastes, the author deals with issues of abuse, trauma, and forgiveness. For thousands of years, God's grace and glory have been shining in the stories and poems of broken the Psalms give voice to our darkest moments of pain and anger, showing us that God welcomes our rawest emotions; Ecclesiastes and Job help us confront suffering and injustice in life; and the failures of Noah, Jacob, and David help keep us tethered to the God of the Bible.

These stories and poems still speak to the brokenness of humans today, beckoning us into the arms of the God who made us and loves us even though we too are riddled with sin, hurt, and a longing to be loved. By working through the book of Ecclesiastes, we can let the Teacher's words seep into our hearts and shape our understanding of who God is and how he helps us navigate this upside-down world. This short and engaging book enables us to see how one part of the Old Testament―Ecclesiastes―can help us navigate a world in which things do not always turn out as they should.

80 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2022

Reviews

[Eddie LaRow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What this book lacks in length it makes up for in significance. It will change the way you read Ecclesiastes. Blending memoir, exegesis, & theological reflection, Russell’s work stands as a beacon of hope, guiding readers through the shadows of abuse, trauma, forgiveness, & existential questions.

The book starts by framing Ecclesiastes against the backdrop of the Genesis narrative, allowing us to grasp the context in which the Teacher, Qohelet, wrestles with life, death, & the Lord’s role in all of life. Russ shows that “beyond the overlapping vocabulary, the themes in Genesis & Ecclesiastes run parallel to each other—both contexts recount the creation of a garden by a great ruler.” Furthermore, both highlight the importance of time (Eccl 3:1; Gen 1) and display the reality of death (Eccl 12:7; Gen 2:7, 3:19). Each allusion/connection between Qohelet's contemplations & the Genesis account serves as a lens through which we decipher the perplexities of existence in a world that often defies reason.

Central to Meek's analysis is his exploration of the Hebrew "hebel," frequently translated as "vanity" or "meaningless." Meek unveils the deeper significance of "hebel" by tracing it back to its possible Genesis connection via the name "Abel." This infuses Qohelet's musings with a poignant resonance, inviting us to grapple with the injustices and fleeting nature of life itself, symbolized by the tragic story of Abel. Though he is a righteous character, his short life makes Abel "the embodiment of transience."

Meek masterfully navigates the intersections of pain and faith, weaving his personal journey of healing & redemption (& love of hip-hop) into his exegesis of Ecclesiastes.

The heart of Meek's message lies in Qohelet's timeless wisdom: to traverse the tumultuous seas of an "Abel-like" existence we must be grounded in our covenant relationship with the Lord. Meek asserts that the key to navigating life's trials lies not in escaping suffering, but in embracing an intimate relationship with God & finding joy in the gifts He bestows.

Through the pages of this book, readers will find a guiding light to navigate the complexities of life, drawing inspiration from the age-old wisdom of Ecclesiastes and discovering anew the profound grace and love of the God who walks alongside us through every trial and triumph.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a natural-born contrarian (whom my poor wife has had to endure for 38 years now) and so I've always been attracted to books in the Bible that are confusing and opaque: I'm looking at you Song of Solomon; and Esther; and of course, everyone's nemesis: Ecclesiastes.

I've read a lot of people trying to figure out what Ecclesiastes means and only one of them was very satisfying. Thanks to Russell Meek, I can now say that I've finally! discovered a (blessedly short - thanks Russ you rock!!) book on Ecclesiastes that is fully satisfying in its interpretation.

Mr. Meeks rests his interpretation of Ecclesiastes on two pillars:

1. That the author of Ecclesiastes (Solomon?) is purposely resting its foundation on the book of Genesis, and,
2. That there is a close and vital connection between vanity (in Hebrew "hebel") and the character in Genesis named Abel (in Hebrew "hebel"). I agree with Mr. Meek making the connection and believe it opens up what the author of Ecclesiastes was trying to do very well. I'm not going to explain it though, read the book for yourself.

Anyway, if Mr. Meek is correct (and I think he is), I can honestly say that I have a firm grasp on what the author of Ecclesiastes was trying to say in the book, and it is good, indeed very good. Mr. Meek puts it this way:

"Ecclesiastes gives us a paradigm for processing the injustice and pain we experience; it shows us that our experiences are not all that unique; and it gives us language for expressing the truth of what we see around us."

[Ron Jaeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Professor Meek for your insights on the Abel-ness of Ecclesiastes! The world is upside-down because of sin and yet, God continues to rule and move His eternal plan forward, PTL! His mystery continues to reveal itself, for those who are willing to look and ‘seek Him in all things’!
His ultimate justice is promised and will be assured in His time not my time. In this tension, my time vs His time, I’ve been gifted with patience and the Serenity Prayer. Until Jesus returns, God blesses me with wonderful nourishing foods, delicious drink, a God honoring purpose and a wonderful sister-in-Christ for a spouse and family. God is Good, ALL the time!
Shalom will return! It’s His only promise and prophecy to yet be fulfilled. In His time!

[Jonathan Compton · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you think Ecclesiastes is out of place in the Bible, it want to get some new insights on it, this little book will likely change your mind. The author came from a dysfunctional, broken family. When he was younger, Ecclesiastes seemed like a book written by a skeptic. Then he came to learn it parallels the first chapters of Genesis. It shows the good, the fallen, and how to embrace the good even in the middle of the fallen world.

It's only 69 pages in a small format, so it feels too short. However, it is very down to earth for the most part, and encouraging.

[Ruth Potinu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book does an excellent job of really taking the time to understand what the book of Ecclesates is really saying. I also appreciated how openly and honestly the author weaves in parts of his own story into the book keeping it relevant for today. Academic and yet still accessible I learned so much from this book.

[James-Michael Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some REALLY good insights in this! But it's just too short, so those insights don't really get unpacked as much as I was hoping. It would have been nice if it included Meek's translation of the entire book as an Appendix. As it is, the book just feels incomplete--though what's there is very good (and his personal transparency throughout is very touching!).

[Annie Beckstrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Abelness of life, trust God and trust His commands.

Unique blend of scholar and knowledge with personal warmth and connection. Very good teacher; does not overwhelm, but breaks down in an effective palpable manner.

[Joe Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of ecclesiastes.

[Jack Darida · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful summary of Ecclesiastes and its relationship to Eden and Abel.

[Nathan Battey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, fun, fresh, and provocative little read.