Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes

‘Chris Wright is not only a brilliant scholar but also a great communicator. He is one of those rare speakers, thinkers and authors who can straddle the academic and the accessible without compromising either one. His multiple expositions of biblical books are a gift and this one does not disappoint. Ecclesiastes speaks to our day in exceptionally powerful ways but, as with life, it is not always easy to understand. Chris helps the reader to track ‘the Preacher’s’ journey as he wrestles with the enigmas of life. The lay Christian and the preacher will find this book a wonderful resource, as will anyone struggling with the meaning of life. It is hard not to recommend it too much!’ * Rev Dr Craig G. Bartholomew, Director, Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge *‘For me, Ecclesiastes is the book in the Bible I least understand, and yet Chris Wright is one of the expositors I most respect in the world. What a gift, then, this book is, to me and to many! Here we find an explanation of this strange and compelling portion of Scripture that simultaneously clarifies the meaning of the text and casts a vision for us today of what it means to live by this eternal wisdom.’ * John Dickson (PhD Ancient History), author and historian, Jean Kvamme Distinguished Professor, Wheaton College, Illinois *‘In Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes, Chris Wright invites readers to navigate the twists and turns of Qoheleth’s journey in Ecclesiastes, and he proves himself a wise and helpful guide to those who take up the invitation. Chris introduces Qoheleth as a person of faith who knows God and what the world is supposed to be like and yet one who personally feels the inscrutability and pain of lived experience. Chris rightly believes and aptly demonstrates that the experience of Qoheleth and the message of the book is surprisingly relevant for many today who find themselves asking difficult questions about faith and life.’ * Dave Beldman, associate professor of biblical studies at the Missional Training Center in Arizona *‘This reflection on Ecclesiastes is another gift by Christopher Wright to the church. With his trademark skill, Wright offers readers a clear exposition of a challenging biblical book that is full of practical insights informed by solid scholarship and broad life experience. Theologically sensitive and pastoral in tone, this volume is a wonderful guide into engaging the complexities of life with faith in God.’ * M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), PhD, Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy, Wheaton College and Graduate School *

Dr. Christopher J. H. Wright is Global Ambassador for the Langham Partnership International. His many books include Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes, Hearing the Message of Daniel, Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament, Old Testament Ethics for the People of God, Deuteronomy (Understanding the Bible Commentary), Salvation Belongs to Our God, The Mission of God, The God I Don’t Understand, and The Mission of God’s People. Chris and his wife Liz, who have four adult children and eleven grandchildren, live in London, UK, and belong to All Souls Church, Langham Place.