IV. Purpose

Qoheleth is an iconoclast, destroying the gods of wealth, wisdom, power, fame, and even religion. Veneration of these will result in emptiness. God alone is to be worshiped. Qoheleth refuses to shackle God and make him conform to human wishes and plans. He allows God to be free and mysterious. As for human beings, they are to discover the simple joys of life and enjoy their work and not be tyrannized by it. Even though his efforts may seem absurd and appear to count for nothing, they are important because “God will bring every deed into judgment” (12:14).