Chasing and Grasping for the Wind - Part Two

In the previous blog we looked at two conflicting worldviews presented in the book of Ecclesiastes. One emphasised the futility of a purely earthly perspective of life, while the other the hopeful outlook of a relationship with God. We saw that the position presented in Ecclesiastes 12:13 is the interpretive key to the whole book.

 One phrase used in the book to explore these worldviews is the saying ‘under the sun.’ That is, anything on the earth. This in turn provides the context for the use of the idea of life being ‘vanity.’ The idea behind this vanity is that of ‘grasping at the wind,’ or “vexation of spirit,”[1] cf. 1:14,17; 2:11,17,26; 4:4,6,16; 6:9. This expresses the concept of pointlessly striving, after a life that is nothing more than a vapour and empty i.e. “…chasing or herding the wind).”[2]

^1:14 “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after the wind. ^2:26 …This too is vanity and striving after the wind” (NASB).

The result of this kind of life is that it is disappointing and unsatisfying in nature.[3] So, it could be asked,

“Are you chasing after the wind while trying to find meaning in life? Security and self-worth are not found in these accomplishments, but in the love of God.”[4]

Consequently, the book of Ecclesiastes really, “Celebrates the triumph of faith, not the triumph of the human spirit.”[5] It may appear at sometimes that we are chasing and grasping for the wind, but it is important to realise with God this is never the case. We need to develop a God-centred worldview, recognising the peril of a self-centred one.[6] So, even when things do not make sense in life, remember, God is on the throne.

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[1] Waltke, Bruce K. An Old Testament Theology: An exegetical, canonical, and thematic approach. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007), 957.

[2] Crenshaw, James L. Ecclesiastes: A Commentary. (Philadelphia, Westminster, 1978), 58.

[3] Whybray, Roger N. Ecclesiastes. New Century Bible Commentary. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1989), 26.

[4] “Fear Not, Just Believe. Faith, the antidote to fear.” http://from2005toeternity.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/are-you-chasing-after-the-wind-while-trying-to-find-meaning-in-life-security-and-self-worth-are-not-found-in-these-accomplishments-but-in-the-love-of-god/ (8^th December 2017).

[5] Waltke, An Old Testament Theology, 963, 964.

[6] Johnson, John E. “The Special Relevance of Ecclesiastes for Contemporary Culture.” Bibliotheca Sacra 169:674 (April-June 2012): 159-71.