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Finally…
Remember, the circular reference is one of the most important themes in the entire book of Ecclesiastes. We finish off with a reminder that the way to find our way out of the maze which is life and all its conflicting and circular thoughts is to point our attention toward God. The supernatural brilliance of the Holy Spirit as he guided the author (presumably Solomon) as he wrote, is evidenced in one final picture drawn in a literary way.
The book of Ecclesiastes ends:
8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,
-Ecclesiastes 12:8 (NKJV)
“All is vanity.”
At the same point at which it began. Thus, we have come full circle.
2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher;
-Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NKJV)
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
14 For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.
-Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 (NKJV) (bold print mine for emphasis)
Verses 9-14 above exist outside of that circle created by the book of Ecclesiastes. Thus, the only way we can make sense of all the confusion of life, is to have a reference outside of that confusion which can provide us guidance and context for it all. We must have a point which is separate from and not influenced by the vanity and endless cycles in which we’re stuck to provide us direction. Otherwise we have no hope of being freed from the confusion..