In our tenth episode on Wisdom in the Old Testament, we turn our attention to the book of Ecclesiastes. We start our journey through this book by analyzing the concept that is expressed throughout, captured by the Hebrew word “hevel”. We discuss the best way to think about it, as well as what it seems to get in the way of.

00:00 - Introduction

07:51 - The importance of hevel to Ecclesiastes

10:45 - Qoheleth vs Teacher, Preacher, Congregationalist

13:40 - Qoheleth’s hevel (vapor) and Aristotle’s hyle (wood)

15:56 - Hevel vs insubstantial or transient

20:40 - Hevel vs vain or futile

26:33 - Hevel vs diverse translations

28:18 - Hevel vs meaningless or absurd

32:38 - Hevel as intractable or elusive

37:12 - Hevel frustrates our pursuit of happiness

41:27 - Conclusion

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