Lesson two: King Solomon’s mindset at the end of his life.

1. Read Ecclesiastes 1:1 – 2:11. What is Solomon’s frame of mind in general?
2. Find at least one thing that frustrates Solomon? Why do you think this frustrates him? Does he want to achieve something during his life (vs. 3)? Why does he want to be able to find something new in the world (vss. 4 – 10)? Does he want to be remembered (vs. 11)? Does he feel overwhelmed by the problems he sees in the world (vs. 15)?
3. Does Solomon see a purpose to his life?
4. Re-read Eccl. 2:1 – 11, in which Solomon describes everything he did during his life. This time count the number of times Solomon uses a word that refers to himself (me, myself, I, my, mine, etc.) and also count the number of times he uses a word that refers to God (God, the Lord, the Almighty, the Most High, etc.). What do you suspect was the origin of Solomon’s pessimistic mindset?
5. Read Eccl. 2:1 - 26. How many different lifestyles has Solomon pursued? Is Solomon a man who knows what he wants? Does his inability to find what he wants lead him to despair or is it better described as frustration? Is Solomon suicidal at this point?
6. In Eccl. 2:4 – 9 Solomon details his pursuit of accomplishments (a lifestyle in itself). Is this consistent with chapters 9 – 11 of I Kings? How much effort do you think Solomon put into these construction projects? How many of the things that Solomon built are available to you in San Diego today (parks, reservoirs, musical entertainment, etc.)?
7. Solomon uses the word “despair” in Eccl. 2:20. What was he in despair about? In verse 22 what person does he refer to (other than himself?). Why would “the man who comes after him” (vs. 18) cause Solomon to despair? What do you know about Solomon’s family life that might lead him to despair over the things he had (read I Kings 12:1 – 17)? Do you think Solomon had reason to feel this way? Do you know anyone who feels this way about their family?
8. Read Eccl. 3:18 – 22. Is Solomon sure about what will happen to him after he dies? Could this contribute to his despair? Where do you think he got these ideas (cp. I Kings 11:1 – 8 and Jer. 32:35, II Kings 23:10, Lev. 18:21 and 20:1 - 6)?
9. Read Eccl. 5:1 – 7. What is Solomon’s relationship with God like? Is it intimate or distant? Does he perceive God primarily as loving and caring or harsh and vindictive? Do you think Solomon is looking forward to spending eternity with God? How does this affect his attitude?
10. Read I Kings 11:9 – 14, 23 – 26. Did God in fact take on the role of a harsh disciplinarian in Solomon’s life? Whose fault was it? How do you think your perception of God would change if you persisted in a pattern of disobedience?
11. Does Solomon’s life and mindset resemble any famous or wealthy person you know of today?