Encountering Ecclesiastes: A Book for Our Time

by James Limburg

The book of Ecclesiastes speaks eloquently to the uncertainties and anxieties that people have experienced through the centuries. James Limburg brings this ancient book to life for readers in our probing, questioning twenty-first-century times. He illuminates the contemporary existential themes in Ecclesiastes -- the quest for meaning in life, the incompleteness of our knowledge, the place of work in human lives, and the need to discover God amid life's uncertainties. A fresh, relevant discussion, arising from Limburg's extensive teaching experience, Encountering Ecclesiastes is ideal for any reader seeking to understand the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes.

Genres: Biblical Studies

155 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2006

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent commentary - annotating along the way for an outline.

[Knut Kåre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nydelig møte med Forkynnerens bok! Svært livsnært og mange artige anekdoter som understreker innholdet. Dette var formidling av høy klasse!

[Filipe R. Francisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Limburg’s book is an excellent choice for combining academic and devotional perspectives on Qohelet. The author has a good grasp of the book and can convey the pertinent information with an accessible language for non-professional readers of biblical studies. I found his writing engaging, fun and filled with nice information. On the other hand, I believe the focus of the book was somewhat disproportionate, with a major section devoted to the opening chapters of Ecclesiastes, whilst a single chapter of the book (c. 7) analysed several chapters of Qohelet. The reader can clearly see that Limburg began the project with great motivation, but by the middle to the end, he seemed to rush to finish it quickly. That being said, I would still recommend it.

I led a Bible study in which I introduced some academic biblical scholarship, especially textual criticism and the historical-critical approach, alongside a devotional reading, and the book fit well. Of course, it was not the only source for our study and preparation, but after I laid the groundwork in biblical scholarship and discussed all the academic content I thought was pertinent (around 4 sessions), I focused the discussions on the text of Qohelet and Limburg’s book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the pandemic, I have been thinking about the book of Ecclesiastes. I ordered this book back in 2020, but just got around to reading it. I love this little book, and I can hear Jim Limburg's voice in its pages. But the thing that I loved the most was realizing that Prof. Limburg's love for Ecclesiastes and passion for studying it came from his discovery that Ecclesiastes 7:2 was written on his grandfather's gravestone. He learned from his mother about is grandfather's tragic death, and wondered why anyone would want this particular verse on the gravestone. I love that, and it makes me think, not only about this little book, and not only about Ecclesiastes(and now I want to read more writing about Ecclesiastes), but also about what motivates us to do the things we do and study the things we study and avoid the things avoid. Where do our passions and interests come from?

[Andrea Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This articulate introduction to the book of Ecclesiastes presents a hands-on interpretation, practical applications, and includes many pertinent quotations, especially those from Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer … very helpful to anyone planning to teach the book to others … a delight …

Martin Luther
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

[Geoff Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have with great direction for preaching and teaching. Cannot recommend enough.