- What are the similarities and contrasts between Ecclesiastes 12:1 and the previous verse of Ecclesiastes 11:9? Is contemplation and wisdom only for the mature person?
- How does Kohelet describe and compare the days of one’s youth (Ecclesiastes 11:9- 10) with the days of one’s old age (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8)?
- What picture does Kohelet draw of the “Golden Years” of one’s life (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8)?
- What metaphor(s) does he use to describe the progressive deterioration in old age? To what does (do) the metaphor(s) refer (Ecclesiastes 12:2-5)?
- In Ecclesiastes 12:6 what metaphors does Kohelet use to portray the advent of death?
- Does Ecclesiastes 12:7 contradict what Kohelet said in Ecclesiastes 3:21? How does the word “afar” (dust) relate to its use in Genesis 3:19? How is the word “ruah” best understood here: “spirit”, “wind”, “breath”?
- Compare the opening of the book (Ecclesiastes 1:2) with Ecclesiastes 12:8. Would not this indicate closure? If so what is the purpose of Ecclesiastes 12:9-14?
- What do we learn about the life and work of Kohelet from the editor (who here writes about him in the third person) in Ecclesiastes 12:9-10? What do we learn about the editor?
- What warnings does the editor (or is it Kohelet?) give the reader in Ecclesiastes 12:11- 12? Is it an attempt to diminish the significance of the text?
- How would you describe the last words of the book (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)? Are they the final words of Kohelet? Are they in any way consistent with the theme of the rest of the book? Are they the words of a editor who admired but disagreed with Kohelet?
