Qoheleth and the Good Life: What is the Role of Death in the Book of Ecclesiastes?

 Death plays a prominent role in the Book of Ecclesiastes.  Yet, Solomon doesn't have a morbid preoccupation with the physical decay or the emotional pangs of grief and loss.  Instead, he refers to death like Stephen Covey (First Law of Highly Successful People):  Begin with the end in mind.  His, and Solomon's reasoning, goes something like this:  1.  What do you want people to say at your funeral?  2.  Back up and live with those words in mind so that people actually say those things at your funeral.

Here are Solomon's two concerns:

First, Death reminds us of our limitations.  "No man has power over the day of his death."  Death is sure and we have no power to delay or divert it.  Our memory will be forgotten- there will be no enduring remembrance.  In death, there is no more reward for the things we do and we have no more share in what is done under the sun.  Man is limited to these few days that are given to us.  In light of death, how should we live?

Second, Death makes us rearrange our priorities.  "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth."  Before our bodies remind us daily of our approaching decay (it's too late for me, save yourselves!), we are to make Christ the central focus of our lives.  He is our central concern, our chief priority.  Then, Solomon says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, because your time is quickly passing."

Our task is to invest our remaining time wisely with eyes wide open for opportunities to do good.  "Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes, but know that God will bring you into judgment."  Open our eyes, Lord, to what our investment possibilities are for Your glory!

For Solomon, death is not a tragedy, it is the finish line for a life well-lived.  May we arrange the days of our short life under the sun, in order that we may hear "Well done, good and faithful servant!"