Kohelet

The present commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes offers a new overall understanding of this popular yet often misunderstood text through an informed dialogue with research. It demonstrates that Ecclesiastes, with its keen observations and reflections, provocative imagery, and existential insights, seeks what is good for humanity. At its core lies the question of human happiness. The book outlines a doctrine of the good life, placing it within a broad ancient and Near Eastern tradition. The commentary also clarifies the position the book occupies in the eudaimonistic discourse of antiquity, while revealing that it is much more deeply rooted in the tradition of the Holy Scriptures than is commonly assumed.