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E23: Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 23: Ecclesiastes & "Vanity of Vanities"

The Great Courses Presents: Understanding the Old Testament | Lectures

Grapple with the fascinating and elusive text of the book of Ecclesiastes. In the apparent bleakness of Qohelet’s words, grasp why many through the centuries have found the book depressing. With a careful and rigorous reading, plumb the verses for their deeper meaning: a singular vision of affirmation, reaching beyond the futility of human life to an authentic joy in the gifts of God.

Speakers:Robert D. Miller

Writers:Robert D. Miller

Topics:Wisdom Literature Old Testament

Source:The Great Courses

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Lectures

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 1: The Old Testament as Literature

Consider the historical and literary contexts of the Old Testament, and take an overview of this course. Then, study the events contained within the first six d...

Robert D. Miller | 223 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 2: The Genesis Creation Story

Look at the creation of humanity according to Genesis Chapter 1, and in particular, at how we interpret the idea that humans were made in the image and likeness...

Robert D. Miller | 91 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 3: What God Intended for Adam and Eve

Here, delve into the story of the Garden of Eden. Grasp God’s purpose in creating humans as beings that are both material and spiritual. Consider the signific...

Robert D. Miller | 69 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 4: When Things Go Wrong in Eden

In the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, explore how ancient Israelites understood the nature of sin. Follow Adam and Eve’s transgression in eating...

Robert D. Miller | 61 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 5: Abraham, The Father of Three Faiths

In a deep look at the figure of Abraham, the spiritual father of three major religions, examine the features of the Covenant made between God and Abraham as Abr...

Robert D. Miller | 50 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 6: Moses and the Exodus

Read the Call of Moses to liberate the Israelites in Egypt and observe how it resonates with the call of other Biblical prophets. Investigate the Hebrew name of...

Robert D. Miller | 49 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 7: The Ten Commandments

Consider why the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, has a significance beyond that of the other 603 commandments in the Torah, and note how the Ten are numbered w...

Robert D. Miller | 37 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 8: The Covenant Code in Exodus

The Covenant Code contains some of the oldest laws of ancient Israel. Read the Code’s many laws, on subjects from religious regulations to social justice, not...

Robert D. Miller | 25 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 9: Leviticus at a Crossroads

The book of Leviticus sets out the ways Israelites were to live as God’s people. Delve into three sections of the text, beginning with sacrificial practices. ...

Robert D. Miller | 36 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 10: Deuteronomy to Kings

Take account of the context of Judges, within the Old Testament books that reveal the story of the Israelites in the Promised Land. Assess different accounts of...

Robert D. Miller | 37 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 11: The Book of Judges

Follow the unfolding narrative of Judges, as the leaders sent to free the Israelites themselves fall from virtue. Study the stories of Gideon and his son, Abime...

Robert D. Miller | 35 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 12: The Books of Samuel

Chart the origins of prophecy in ancient Israel, with prophecy seen during ecstatic, trancelike spiritual practices. Observe how Samuel, the last judge, initiat...

Robert D. Miller | 38 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 13: The Books of Kings

Examine the role of the prophet in ancient Israel as the conscience of the nation. Study the life of the prophet Elijah, his actions to affirm the supremacy of ...

Robert D. Miller | 34 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 14: Biblical Short Stories Ruth & Esther

Discover the genre of the biblical short story: Old Testament books that recount single plots, often focusing on displaced women. Learn the story of Ruth, of th...

Robert D. Miller | 30 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 15: Amos, Prophet of Justice

Explore the preaching of the prophet Amos and his passionate theme of justice for the poor and vulnerable. Note how, as an outsider, Amos brings the northern ki...

Robert D. Miller | 34 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 16: The Prophet of Isaiah in 3 Movements

Examine the three distinct sections of Isaiah: first, the prophet’s stern denunciation of social injustice, and his intimation of a new era of peace under a m...

Robert D. Miller | 26 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 17: Jeremiah, Persecuted Prophet

Within the life and preaching of the prophet Jeremiah, study the book of Jeremiah, Chapter 7, regarding his “temple sermon” preaching against idolatry, inju...

Robert D. Miller | 33 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 18: Daniel and Apocalyptic Literature

In approaching the prophetic oracles and stories of the book of Daniel, delve into the genre of Apocalyptic literature—revelation which discloses a transcende...

Robert D. Miller | 44 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 19: How Scholars Study Psalms

Uncover the musical nature of the book of Psalms, which were prayers that were originally sung, and how the Psalms embody the words of humans to God. Study the ...

Robert D. Miller | 23 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 20: The Music of the Psalms

In a second look at Psalms, investigate the primary psalm genres—hymns, thanksgivings, and laments— taking account, in each, of who is speaking within a giv...

Robert D. Miller | 14 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 21: Proverbs in the Bible

As context for the book of Proverbs, discover the Old Testament genre of “wisdom literature” and the varieties of knowledge it encompasses. In the first, ni...

Robert D. Miller | 27 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 22: Job's Suffering and Understanding

Immerse yourself in the mysteries of the book of Job, first identifying its biblical genre and unusual literary structure. Witness God’s wager with the accuse...

Robert D. Miller | 29 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 23: Ecclesiastes & "Vanity of Vanities"

Grapple with the fascinating and elusive text of the book of Ecclesiastes. In the apparent bleakness of Qohelet’s words, grasp why many through the centuries ...

Robert D. Miller | 30 views | 8 months ago updated

Understanding the Old Testament Lecture 24: Slaying Dragons of the Old Testament

Conclude by examining a recurrent image within the Old Testament: the figure of the dragon as the personification of evil. Look back through the entire Old Test...

Robert D. Miller | 27 views | 8 months ago updated