Michelle
I am not sure what to make of this reading. The "Teacher" talks about applying his mind to study and explore by wisdom and then says God has laid a heavy burden on mankind. It seems he is saying everything we do, whether wise or foolish, right or wrong, laughter or madness, all are meaningless. I know we are coming to a point that takes us back to God. But at this point it seems he finds all life meaningless. All we do or accomplish he finds meaningless. It's kind of a negative mindset to have but I understand what he is saying. Like he is searching for a purpose. At the end of chapter 2 he says everything a person does comes from the hand of God, for without him who can find enjoyment, and to the person who pleases God he will give them wisdom, knowledge and happiness, and to the sinner he gives a task of gathering up wealth to be given to the one who pleases God. But then says all this is meaningless too. It was almost hard to read this right now. It almost put me in a mindset of negativity and thinking what are we even doing here. I am hoping we get to the point quickly in this.
The psalm seems to be asking for forgiveness and reminds us that with God there is forgiveness. In the word is hope. Look to the word of God and you will be given his unfailing love and redemption.
Julie
I had trouble with this one too. I was wondering if he was going through all of that and then at the end trying to make the point that without God then all of that is vanity or folly. I don't know though...even the explanation wasn't really very helpful. Almost as if they didn't completely understand where this was going.
Very good explanation.
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