ESCHATOLOGICAL JUDGMENT IN THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES

Abstract

Some scholars deny the existence of the concept of judgment in the book of Ecclesiastes while others affirm it.  Those who attest to its existence are divided as regards the kind of judgment the book refers to.  While some think it is a divine eschatological judgment, others see here undefined judgment or death.  The analysis of Eccl 3:16-17; 11:9; 12:13-14 leads to the conclusion that the concept of the divine judgment is attested in the book of Ecclesiastes as a future event which guarantees hope that injustice will not last forever on the earth because God will eradicate it by bringing an impartial judgment.