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Old Testament Survey
FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Study the ten vanities:
- -Human wisdom: Ecclesiastes 2:15-16-Human labor: Ecclesiastes 2:19-21-Human purpose: Ecclesiastes 2:26-Human rivalry: Ecclesiastes 4:4-Human awareness: Ecclesiastes 4:7-Human fame: Ecclesiastes 4:16-Human dissatisfaction: Ecclesiastes 5:10-Human coveting: Ecclesiastes 6:9-Human frivolity: Ecclesiastes 7:6-Human system of awards: Ecclesiastes 8:10,14
2. The word "heart" is used 40 times in Ecclesiastes. Read the book to discover what the book has to say about the heart.
3. Make a list of all of Solomon's possessions and experiences in chapter 2. Note in verse 10 that he had "whatever he desired." Observe the results in verse 11: All was vanity. Note the steps which made him realize this: He looked, he turned, he saw, he said in his heart.
4. Study the key word of Ecclesiastes "vanity" which is used 37 times.
5. Note the phrase "under the sun." This is life when spiritual values are ruled out and one dwells only on the world. This phrase occurs 25 times. As you study Ecclesiastes, list Solomon's conclusions about life apart from God (for example, 2:11). Compare this kind of life to the life found in Jesus Christ.
6. The Bible records that King Solomon tried all of the following things trying to give meaning to his life:
| -Human wisdom: Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 | -Wealth: Ecclesiastes 2:7-8 |
| -Alcohol: Ecclesiastes 2:3 | -International reputation: I Kings 10:6-7 |
| -Pleasure: Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 | -Music: Ecclesiastes 2:8 |
| -Building projects: Ecclesiastes 2:4 | -Literature: I Kings 4:32 |
| -Beautiful gardens and parks: Ecclesiastes 2:4-6 | -Military power: I Kings 4:26 and 9:26 |
| -Personal indulgences: Ecclesiastes 2:7 | -Natural science: I Kings 4:33 |
| -Sex: I Kings 11:3 |