Lessons from Ecclesiastes and the Prophets
The note of disappointment that runs through the first part of Ecclesiastes issues in better things as we near its close. It contains excellent practical instruction, and chapter 11 opens with splendid missionary sentiments, often quoted. To what a glorious conclusion "the preacher" comes in the close of the book, faithfulness in God's service in view of the judgment! The book also reveals this,—that Solomon, its author, repented of his folly and returned to God. In the face of his instruction, how sad it is that many follow the same path of folly, the same "vanity of vanities," and never return! The Song of Solomon, called also "the Song of Songs," and "Canticles," is, as held by many devout men, a poetic allegory, representing in strong Oriental imagery the love of Christ to His church, and her affection for Him. It is composed of various parts,—soliloquies, monologs, and dialogs. Jonah is the oldest of the shorter prophets. He prophesied in the reign of Jeroboam II. 2 Kings 14:23-25. He was the only prophet sent to a distant, pagan city to declare the divine will. His personal character shows great defects, as well as noble traits under severe testing. Joel is the next prophet in time, probably, in the days of Uzziah or Amaziah, about B.C. 800, tho some place him later, in the times of Manasseh, B.C. 697 to 660. It matters little. God uses calamities of the prophet's time to point out similar ones in the last days. The coming of the great day of God, the famines, the world-wide call for war which will precede that day, the necessary preparation, and the message of warning, as well as God's gracious promises, are graphically set forth. Joel was a prophet of Judah. Amos, while a native of a Judean village, was a prophet in Israel. His time of prophecy was about B.C. 800 to 750. His discourse is remarkably vivid, filled with figures and imagery natural to his occupation as a herdsman. Some of his descriptions are extremely beautiful. He prophesies against not only God's backslidden people, but the wicked nations around them. Profession and ceremony are nothing; God demands righteousness. There are mighty lessons in the little book, for these days.