Qohelet's Fall: The Use of Genesis 2-4 in the Book of Ecclesiastes

Abstract

In this thesis I will demonstrate that Qohelet uses the language and themes found in Genesis 2-4. Qohelet, himself a wisdom teacher, interprets the early chapters of Genesis as wisdom texts. He uses them to explain from within the boundaries of wisdom why the world fails to show the perfection of creation. Death and the frustration to be found in work are both understood by Qohelet in terms of the curse of Genesis 3. Qohelet does not set out to discover the meaning of life but he does endeavour to find what is good for humans to do during their short lives. This is a continuation of the task established for humans in their quest to master the knowledge of good and evil. Qohelet questions the efficacy of the retribution principle. In this he draws on the experiences of Abel found in Genesis 4. He uses the language and themes of Genesis 2-4 to legitimise his hetero-orthodox approach to wisdom. His rejection of retribution and his method of discovering what is good illustrate his use of Genesis. Ultimately Qohelet concludes that the world cannot be changed and that humans can only make the most of the world as it is.