Introduction

In the Biblical context of the Holy Scriptures according to the Abrahamic Religions, a figure known as Qoheleth stands out. An archaic term, and rich in spiritual connotations, literally translated as “preacher,” or “teacher.” This figure is found in the opening verse of one of the most spiritually profound Texts, Ecclesiastes, reflecting the divine wisdom imparted in the Holy Scriptures.

Qoheleth’s spiritual depth transcends mortal understanding, for he is not just a character but a divine vessel of knowledge, which reverberates in the echoes of Ecclesiastes 1:12 ; 7:27 and 12:8-11.

Ecclesiastes 1:12 – “I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.”

Ecclesiastes 7, 27 – “Here is what I have found, says the Preacher, considering one thing at a time, to find a solution.”

Ecclesiastes 12:8-11 – “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; everything is vanity. The Preacher, besides being wise, also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched and arranged many maxims. The Preacher has tried to find pleasing words and write with righteous truth words of truth. The words of the wise men are like stimuli, like points set by shepherds, they were given by one Shepherd. Take, my children, the exhortation: acquiring many books has no end and much study fatigues the body.”

His role therefore encapsulates the sacred duty of spreading divine wisdom, a beacon that guides us in the vast sea of life’s mysteries. Qoheleth’s spiritual depth challenges us to delve deeper into the spiritual analysis of human beings, into the understanding of our own nature and place in GOD’s Eternal Creation, trying to unravel the deep truths within.

Who was Qoelet?

Although no explicit identity is rendered in the text, a careful examination of scripture, interwoven with a thorough understanding of the reality of believers, has led us to identify Qoheleth with Solomon. This stems from the fact that the wise son of King David was once the ruler in Israel, aligning with the “king of Jerusalem” reference. Moreover though the expression given in the first verse “son of David,” another aspect of Solomon’s identity in congruence with Ecclesiastes 1:1. In fact, Solomon is directly “son of David.” In fact, Solomon is a direct “son” of David, which makes this verse more clearly applicable to him than to almost any other.

The search for Qoheleth’s identification finds deep consistency toward the conclusion of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 12:9 illuminates Qoheleth as the one who “pondered, searched, and set in order many proverbs,” a depiction that resonates with that of Solomon as the author of proverbs (1 Kings 4:32 ; Proverbs 1:1). The attribution of wisdom to Qoheleth is a further congruence with Solomon’s depiction (1 Kings 4:29).

Ecclesiastes 12:9 describes Qoheleth as the one who imparts knowledge to the people, a feature synonymous with the biblical depiction of Solomon (1 Kings 4:33-34). This image is further reinforced in Ecclesiastes 1:16-17.

The essence of Ecclesiastes is also intertwined with the notion of Solomon as Qoheleth. Solomon, known for his profound wisdom, immense wealth and formidable power (2 Chronicles 1:11-13), aligns with the experiences of the author of Ecclesiastes, who is depicted as possessing wealth and power (Ecclesiastes 2:6-7). This correlation reinforces the hypothesis that Solomon is the enigmatic Qoheleth.

King Solomon and wisdom

Although “wise among wise men,” unfortunately, there is a period in Solomon’s life when he strayed from the path of honoring GOD through his wisdom. He had numerous marriages and hundreds of concubines, straying from the Lord’s Plan (2 Kings 11:1-3). Interestingly, unlike other kings of Israel who were associated with prophets, no such connection is specified for Solomon. This intriguing aspect further aligns with the idea that Solomon is the enigmatic Qoheleth of Ecclesiastes, a book written by an individual who explored every avenue in search of fulfillment, only to find it all in vain and without apparent “concrete meaning” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Ecclesiastes tells the story of a wise person who deliberately acted foolishly to come to the conclusion that GOD is the ultimate quest (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). This portrayal is in harmony with the biblical portrayal of Solomon, particularly in terms of his wisdom, wealth and spiritual knowledge.

The content of Ecclesiastes has a deeply personal and introspective tone, offering insights and regrets of a person approaching the sunset of life. It is plausible that Solomon himself composed these words as he approached his death, with the challenges faced toward the end of his reign likely to lead to deep conviction (1 Kings 11:9-12).
Overall, the evidence against Solomon’s identity as Qoheleth remains inconclusive, while a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence supports the claim.

Unraveling the enigmatic Solomon

After a comprehensive exploration of Qoheleth’s identity, his journey of transformation expressed in the pages of Ecclesiastes clearly emerges. Through the lens of this spiritual odyssey, we are invited to immerse ourselves in the deep complexities of wisdom. As we read we will find ourselves confronted with the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits, Qoheleth examines the various avenues mankind takes to seek happiness and fulfillment, such as wealth, pleasure, power and fame, but ultimately concludes that all of these are ephemeral and unsatisfying. This prompts us to reflect on our own pursuits and desires, inviting us to consider whether we are pursuing the right things or losing ourselves in an endless race to nowhere.

But through Qoheleth’s words also resounds a resounding truth: Only GOD holds the key to true fulfillment. He invites us to look beyond the fleeting satisfactions the world can offer and turn our gaze toward the eternal. Only in the Creator, and thus in the “good,” can we find true and lasting fulfillment, a joy beyond the changing circumstances and disappointments of life. If GOD is our ultimate goal, if we truly place our trust in the Father, and follow His paths, we will find peace.

Unfortunately, it seems that, for a period in his life, Solomon chose to use his wisdom in a less-than-God-honoring way. He married an outrageous number of women and had concubines in addition to those (2 Kings 11:1–3). Interestingly, virtually every other king of Israel is associated with some prophet, but not Solomon. Even these facts dovetail with the idea that Solomon is the Qoheleth of Ecclesiastes, a book written by a man who had tried everything under the sun and found it all to be vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Ecclesiastes is the story of a man who sought happiness everywhere but in God and came to the conclusion that God is ultimately all that matters (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). This certainly agrees with the Bible’s depiction of Solomon, at least in terms of his wisdom, wealth, and spiritual knowledge.

Since the book of Ecclesiastes is technically anonymous, there remains some doubt as to the identity of the Qoheleth. One primary reason some scholars question the claim that Solomon is the Qoheleth is that other Old Testament passages detail Solomon’s spiritual fall (1 Kings 11:4–8) but don’t refer to a personal re-awakening. Of course, what’s described in Ecclesiastes comes across as highly personal and private. The book details the lessons and regrets of a man near the end of his life. Solomon might well have penned these words close to his own death. The struggles he experienced near the end of his reign might have triggered conviction, as well (1 Kings 11:9–12).

All in all, there seems to be no solid evidence against Solomon’s identity as the Qoheleth, and a fair amount of circumstantial evidence supporting it. The most common conclusion, therefore, is that the Preacher of Ecclesiastes is Solomon, the son of David.