or their answers.

This, then, we will conclude, is the purpose of the book and the
standpoint from which the writer speaks, and we shall find its contents
confirm this in every particular.

It has been well said that as regards each book in holy writ the "key
hangs by the door,"--that is, that the first few sentences will give
the gist of the whole. And, indeed, pre-eminently is such the case
here. The first verse gives us who the writer is; the second, the
beginning and ending of his search. And therein lies the key of the
whole; for the writer is the son of David, the man exalted by Jehovah
to highest earthly glory. Through rejection and flight, through battle
and conflict, had the Lord brought David to this excellence of glory
and power. All this his "son" entered into in its perfection and at
once. For it is that one of his sons who speaks who is _king_, and in
_Jerusalem_, the city of God's choice, the beautiful for situation, the
joy of the whole earth. Such is the story of verse 1. Nothing could
possibly go beyond the glory that is compassed by these few words. For
consider them, and you will see that they ascribe "_wisdom_, and
_honor_, and _riches_, and _power_" to him of whom they are spoken; but
it is human wisdom and earthly power, all "under the sun." And now
listen to the "song" that should surely accompany this ascription; note
the joy of a heart fully and completely satisfied now that the pinnacle
of human greatness is attained. Here it is: "Vanity of vanities,"
saith the Preacher, "vanity of vanities; all is vanity!" The word
_hahvehl_ is always translated, as here, "vanity." It is sometimes
applied to "idols," as Deut. xxxii. 21, and would give the idea of
emptiness--nothingness. What a striking contrast! Man has here all
that Nature can possibly give; and his poor heart, far from singing, is
_empty_ still, and utters its sad bitter groan of disappointment. Now
turn and contemplate that other scene, where the true Son of David,
only now a "_Lamb as it had been slain_," is the center of every
circle, the object of every heart. Tears are dried at the mention of
His name, and song after song bursts forth, till the whole universe of
bliss pours forth its joy, relieves its surcharged heart in praise.
"Vanity of vanities," saith the Preacher. That is the _old_ groan.
"Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof, for
Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed to God by Thy bloo