Lesson Seven – Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentation
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear G-d, and keep His mitzvot [commandments]: for this is the whole duty of man. "
Kohelet/Ecclesiastes 12:13
Introduction
- Shir HaShirim [Song of Songs], Kohelet [Ecclesiastes], and Eichah [Lamentations] are a part of the “Five Megillot” that are included with the five books of Torah in a Chumash. The Megillot are all books from the Writings [Ketuvim]. They hold a special place in our Bible because they are read at certain holiday times.
- Song of Songs is read during Passover.
- Ruth is read during Shavuot.
- Lamentations is read during Tisha B’Av [9th of Av – date of destruction of 1st and 2nd Temple].
- Ecclesiastes is read during Sukkot.
- Esther is read during Purim.
Shir HaShirim – Wooing the Bride
- Song of Songs at times seems out of place in sacred text. The fact that it is read at Passover gives us great insights into the ancient understanding of what this book teaches.
- Rabbi Akiva said that all Scripture is holy, but Song of Songs is the “Holy of Holies.”
- It seems that Song of Songs is an allegory about the love of the King [G-d] with the beloved [Israel] – however, like parables, such literary devices are not so easily explained. It is not about direct correlation – it is about experiencing the main point.
- The language makes the personal connection and says things that the words cannot.
- Jer 2:2; Song of Songs 8:5-7: A love, newly expressed at Sinai, which eventually will be eternally experienced.
Eichah – Lamentations over the Bride’s Unfaithfulness – and Entreaty to Repent.
- Oddly enough, Lamentations’ message is one HaShem’s unfailing love, and covenant faithfulness. He calls to repentance, those whom He has not cast off. As we will see with the Prophets, repentance is a huge part of the Redemption message.
- Lam 5:16-22: “Hashivenu HaShem eleicha v’nashuvah chadesh yaminu k’kedem.” [Bring back to You HaShem, and we shall return, renew our days as of old.]
Kohelet – Fulfillment in Redemption’s Purpose
- How is it that a seemingly depressing book is read during the time of our rejoicing, Sukkot.
- Key phrases unlock the message of Ecclesiastes, and remind us of our purpose as “Redeemed Ones.”
- “Vanity of vanities” [havel, havalim]. Havel = “breath” same as “Abel.”
- “under the sun” [tachat hashamesh]
- Each day of Leviticus 23 Feasts of HaShem are determined by a seasonally adjusted lunar calendar, as G-d commanded, not a solar one. We are not under the sun. This physical world does not define our purpose – HaShem does.
- Although but a vapor under the sun, we have the breath of HaShem within us when we live according to His purposes for us.
- Under the sun our work is but a vapor. Under HaShem, our works of obedience are evidence of His “breath.”
- Ecc 12:13: the bottom line: living under the sun is vanity. Living under HaShem is a true life of purpose.
Summary
- Our joy was established in our redemption. Remember what it was like – the love of Bridegroom and bride.
- Our lamenting comes when we do not cleave to the One Who redeemed us.
- Our joy is renewed when we repent, and live our lives according to His purpose for us.