ECCLESIASTES 12

The one obvious correspondence between the opening and closing sections, as defined earlier, is 

repetition of the complete formula: "Vanity of vanity, says the Preacher. All is vanity." (1:2 & 12:8)

Several authors have also stressed the joint importance of the beginning and the end of the book in 

setting out the whole scope and theme of Ecclesiastes. These two correspond roughly to the respective 

themes of “the futility of life” and “the answer of practical faith” that form the two poles around which 

the book's observations revolve. Look at first theme.

Re-read Ecclesiastes 1:3-11 for one of the two poles of the book. We need that perspective on life.

Turn to last chapter for the second pole.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

Why should we remember God in our youth? Before it is too late for us. “The night comes when no 

man can work.”

These verses are filled with imagery describing old age and death, but they also fit the events of the last 

days: heavenly bodies darkened, all work ceases [Jesus and “two women grinding meal,”], birds of  

prey descend, everyone is afraid and shuts their doors.

Physiological changes and death: failing eyesight (v. 2a), depression (v. 2b), arms, legs, teeth and eyes 

fail (v. 3), fear, insomnia, poor hearing (v. 4), difficulty walking in the road without fear of falling (v. 

5a), the white blossom stands for white hair, grasshopper refers to loss of sexual desire and caper refers 

to appetite-stimulant (v. 5b and c), professional mourners gather outside the house looking for 

employment even before the person is dead (vv. 5e-6a), various metaphors for death in vv. 6-7. There 

are possible distinctions between different types of death: cord (or lamp stand) and bowl describe a 

lamp for a rich person [Henry James' novel The Golden Bowl], the pitcher denotes one who is fragile 

late in life (alternatively, it may refer to Middle East funeral custom of breaking a piece of pottery and 

putting the shards in the grave to symbolize “dust to dust”), wheel and cistern denote a poor working 

person still active in life.

 

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 appears to be written by someone else.

v. 10 Two aspects to communicating the truth?

v. 11 Two ways that proverbs work?

v. 12 Discuss

vv. 13-14 This conclusion has a more orthodox theology than the rest of the book.

The thematic summary resides in the last section of the book. It is in these verses that the author directs 

his son (12:12), and the reader, “toward the central truths of revealed religion: the fear of God, 

obedience to his commandments, and an awareness of the coming judgment.”

Few commentators seem to have viewed the beginning and conclusion of Ecclesiastes as the pair of perfectly symmetrical bookends that they are:

A. The Words of the Preacher (1:1)

        B. Thesis: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is Vanity” (1:2)

                C. Poem (1:3-11)

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                C'. Poem (12:1-7)

        B’. Thesis: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is Vanity” (12:8)

A’. The Words of the Preacher (12:9-14)

A and A' both state that these are the words of the Teacher.

B and B' are the only places in the book where the complete formula is given.

C and C' dispel the notion that there is no real progress of thought as one reads through the book. Keep your fingers on the first and last chapters and we will compare certain themes that bind the two together.

1. The Prologue ends on a negative note with “no remembrance of former things.” This is neatly balanced by the opening of the Epilogue with its admonition to “remember also your Creator.”

2. The first appearance of the sun has it rising/setting/rising in 1:5 whereas in its last appearance in 12:2 it is darkened permanently. This is similar to several other images in the first chapter that seem to teach a cyclic history of the world (Eastern religions) unlike the last chapter where there is a direction to history – a definite start and finish (Biblical viewpoint).

3. Similarly, ruah first appears in 1:6 as a restless wind blowing around continuously and last appears in 12:7 where it finally returns to its Maker.

4. Olam (“eternity”) initially appears in the context of endless generations of mankind in 1:4 but by 12:5, man has returned to his eternal home.

5. All things (literally, “words”) are wearisome (1:8a), but in 12:11-12 the sayings of the wise are praised; it is only study beyond this that is wearisome.

6. Prologue: “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, or the ear with hearing.” (1:8b)

Epilogue: “...the days of trouble come, and the years draw near when you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them.'” (12:1b) And in 12:2-4 is described the loss of sight and hearing in old age.