Challenging the Idols of the Twenty-First Century: The Message of the Book of Ecclesiastes

Proper understanding of Ecclesiastes begins with the recognition that there are
two voices in the book, the Teacher (1:12–12:7) and the frame narrator (1:1-11;
12:8-14). The frame narrator examines and evaluates the thought of the Teacher
to give his son (12:12) a lesson on life. The Teacher expresses an "under the sun"
perspective. The frame narrator encourages his son toward an "above the sun"
perspective. Finally, Ecclesiastes is read in the light of the New Testament.