Category Archives: Ecclesiastes

Psalm 88

Posted on August 4, 2012 by jamesbradfordpate

For my weekly quiet time this week, I will blog about Psalm 88. Psalm 88 is notorious because it is a completely negative Psalm.  The Psalmist says nothing positive or hopeful.  The Psalmist feels that he is near death, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Rabbinics, Religion, Weekly Quiet Time | Comments Off on Psalm 88

Wisdom Literature: Elite, Popular, or Both?

Posted on January 20, 2012 by jamesbradfordpate

I started Ben Witherington III’s Jesus the Sage. On page 6, Witherington says that mass literacy is a modern phenomenon, for writing in the ancient world took money and leisure—-both in terms of the cumbersome and expensive writing materials, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Religion | Comments Off on Wisdom Literature: Elite, Popular, or Both?

Ecclesiastes 12

Posted on November 28, 2010 by jamesbradfordpate

I finished my study of Ecclesiastes today! What I get out of Ecclesiastes 12 (based on my consultation of commentaries) is the following: We will all eventually die. That message is conveyed in vv 1-8, whether you see those verses … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Rabbinics, Religion, Weekly Quiet Time | Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 12

Ecclesiastes 11

Posted on November 26, 2010 by jamesbradfordpate

For Thanksgiving, I studied Ecclesiastes 11.  What I got out of the chapter (based on my consultation of commentaries) was the following: 1.  On vv 1-2: We should give to charity or invest because we can gain positive returns from so … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Religion, Weekly Quiet Time | Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 11

Ecclesiastes 10

Posted on November 21, 2010 by jamesbradfordpate

For my weekly quiet time this Sabbath, I studied Ecclesiastes 10.  I encountered a theme in Ecclesiastes 10:8-11 that occurs throughout Ecclesiastes: that wisdom can make our life better, and yet the world is not fool-proof.  Accidents can still happen, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Rabbinics, Religion, Weekly Quiet Time | Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 10

Ecclesiastes 9

Posted on November 14, 2010 by jamesbradfordpate

For my weekly quiet time this Sabbath, I studied Ecclesiastes 9. Its message is the usual Qoheleth spiel: work hard and enjoy life while you’re still alive to do so, for one day you’ll die, and you won’t be able … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Religion, Weekly Quiet Time | 2 Comments

Ecclesiastes 8

Posted on November 7, 2010 by jamesbradfordpate

For my weekly quiet time this Sabbath, I studied Ecclesiastes 8.  I’d like to start out this post with a quote from Raymond C. Van Leeuwen on vv. 10-17.  It’s in the HarperCollins Study Bible: “Human experience of God’s justice … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Religion, Weekly Quiet Time | Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 8

Ecclesiastes 7

Posted on October 31, 2010 by jamesbradfordpate

For my weekly quiet time today, I studied Ecclesiastes 7.  I’d like to discuss two issues, using certain passages as a fulcrum-point: 1.  Ecclesiastes 7:16-17 states (in the NRSV): “Do not be too righteous, and do not act too wise; why … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Rabbinics, Religion, Weekly Quiet Time | Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 7

God of Borg

Posted on October 23, 2010 by jamesbradfordpate

For my weekly quiet time this week, I studied Ecclesiastes 6.  Is God the source of evil?  Qoheleth says that God is the source of at least one evil: that men attain wealth and honor, only for God to prevent them … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Desperate Housewives, Ecclesiastes, Religion, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Television, Weekly Quiet Time | Comments Off on God of Borg

Ecclesiastes 5 and Vows

Posted on October 17, 2010 by jamesbradfordpate

For my weekly quiet time, I studied Ecclesiastes 5.  The chapter warns against talking a lot to God, for, in our many ramblings, we may end up making God a promise that we can’t keep.  Then, when God, an angel, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Ecclesiastes, Religion, Weekly Quiet Time | Comments Off on Ecclesiastes 5 and Vows