1. AUTHOR. — Solomon, according to the traditional view.

2. DATE. — If by Solomon, toward the close of his life, about 980 B. C.

3. LITERARY CHARACTER. — It is partly in the form of poetry, partly prose. Sometimes it is difficult to follow the thought of the author, who abruptly passes from one aspect of life to another.

4. LEADING TOPIC. — The turmoil of mind through which the author passed in contemplating the various aspects of life, concluding that nothing is good apart from man's relation to God.

5. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that nothing in this life is satisfactory unless man receives it as God's will, and thus is led to recognize his obligation to fear God.

6. GENERAL ANALYSIS. — It is difficult to analyze the book; the following may be taken as a general outline of the thought:

(a) Nothing satisfactory apart from God, Ch. 1, 2.

(b) All things are vain, Ch. 3, 4.

(c) Practical advice, exhortations, and maxims, Ch. 5-8.

(d) Reflections and maxims, Ch. 9, 10.

(e) Exhortations to industry, patience and the fear of God, Ch. 11, 12.

7. RELATION TO OTHER O. T. BOOKS. — What the author arrives at by experience and observation, that man's chief good is in fearing God, and using what he gives, is also taught in the Law and by the Prophets.

8. FACTS TO BE NOTED. — The statements of this book are not to be separated from their connection, and then taken as the teaching of Scripture. Each part must be studied in its connection, otherwise it may seem to teach error.