So far in Ecclesiastes the Teacher has described his quest for fulfillment through specific life experiences, and now he turns to reflect more broadly on how to make sense of the dilemma described in verses 9-11- -bound by time but wired for eternity.-

So far in Ecclesiastes the Teacher has described his quest for fulfillment through specific life experiences, and now he turns to reflect more broadly on how to make sense of the dilemma described in verses 9-11: "bound by time but wired for eternity."

The Teacher reflected on wisdom earlier in the book -1-12-18- and now returns to that topic, adding something very important to the equation- the -trump card- of death.

In Ecclesiastes 1-12-18, we saw the Teacher begin his search for what is good, for what satisfies under the sun, with wisdom. Now his search continues as he turns his attention to pleasure and work.

After the opening prologue to the book by the narrator -1-11-, this passage begins a very long section -1-12-12-17- consisting of a monologue by the Teacher.

The Teacher reflected on wisdom earlier in the book (1:12-18) and now returns to that topic, adding something very important to the equation: the "trump card" of death.

In Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, we saw the Teacher begin his search for what is good, for what satisfies under the sun, with wisdom. Now his search continues as he turns his attention to pleasure and work.

After the opening prologue to the book by the narrator (1:11), this passage begins a very long section (1:12-12:17) consisting of a monologue by the Teacher.