The Message of Ecclesiastes

General Preface
Author's Preface
Chief Abbreviations

Part One: What is this book doing in the Bible?--a reconnaissance

Part Two: What is this book saying?--a running commentary
--The author, motto and a survey of the scene 1:1--11
--The search for satisfaction 1:12--2:26
--The tyranny of time 3:1--15
--the harshness of life 3:16--4:3
--the rat-race 4:4--8
A first summary: A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 1:1--4:8
Interlude: Some reflections, maxims and home truths 4:9--5:12
--the bitterness of disappointment 5:13--6:12
A second summary: A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 4:9--6:12
Interlude: Some reflections, maxims and home truths 7:1--22
--the search goes on 7:23--29
--frustration 8:1--17
--jeopardy 9:1--18
A third summary: A backward glance over Ecclesiastes 7:1--9:18
Interlude: Be sensible! 10:1--20
--towards home 11:1--12:8

Part Three: What are we to say to this?--an epilogue