"THE DUTY OF ALL" (An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 7/2/26

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Ecclesiastes is the third of the Bible’s four wisdom literature books and probably the most unique among them, in terms of writing. Unlike the others, the whole book is one continued discourse or sermon transcript which consists not just of words, but of actual solid matter and important teaching. The author of the book is Solomon. The Hebrew title of the book is qohelet which means “one who gathers people together.” In this case, the gathering is to listen and learn, so the word is often translated as “teacher” or “preacher.” Ecclesiastes is the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Qohelet. King Solomon, who, at this point, had apostatized from the church and people of God and had begun following idols (I Kings 11), but now had repented and returned to the fold. This is why he chose to refer to himself in the third person when he preached his recantation sermon, as this book may be said to be. He was the son of David and the King not only of Jerusalem, but of all Israel.

The key thing to recognize is that the “preacher” is as a character in the book and appears as distinct from the author. While we do hear the voice of the preacher for most of the book, it’s actually a different voice, that of the author, who first introduces us to the preacher and who concludes the book by summarizing and evaluating all that he has said. It is a second-hand account or sermon transcript of Solomon’s words.

After a lengthy confession as to the total vanity of his apostate life with all of its illicit pursuits, the book ends with the writer summarizing the preacher’s main points. The sum of all that has been said or written, not only by Solomon but by all wise men, is to worship and serve the Lord with reverence, love, and trust; being fully devoted to doing His will and pleasing Him. The main way we do this is by holding fast to what is revealed in His Word. This is certain evidence of the true and genuine fear of God, and all believers must consciously strive to practice whatever God commands, no matter how costly, troublesome, or dangerous it may be in this world; we will be rewarded in the next. This is the endgame for us; the main objective of our whole body of work must be for God’s honor and happiness. By this alone we answer the end of our creation and all the works of providence done for us.

All things are in vain unless they lead to the conclusion that the duty of all is to fear God and keep his commandments. The fear of God includes in it all the affections of the soul towards him, which are produced by the Holy Spirit, and is often put forth as the main goal of true religion in the heart and includes its practical results yielded in the life. God sets adherence to His Word as our mission in this life. May it be etched in all our hearts: fear God and hold to his instruction, for this is all we must do.