A Polemical Preacher of Joy

How is the interpreter to approach Ecclesiastes? What is the message of the author? What is the genre of Ecclesiastes?

Many scholars have posited varying interpretations of the message of Ecclesiastes and have observed the number of statements that appear to be conflicting or, at least, in tension with one another. Discussions about the argument and genre label(s) in Ecclesiastes have not fully considered the author's polemics against the apocalyptic beliefs of his day, 200 B.C.E. This book will propose that the author of Ecclesiastes utilizes a hybrid genre in his work--an ""anti-apocalyptic genre""--in order to further his message of joy. Jerome Douglas explores how recognizing the presence of an anti-apocalyptic genre within the tapestry of Ecclesiastes assists the interpreter in understanding the book.

Jerome N. Douglas (PhD Marquette University) is an Associate Professor of Old Testament and chair of the Church Ministries Department at the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, PA.