Ecclesiastes 12:2-5

The coming of old age 12:2-5

Ecclesiastes 12:2-7 are full of figures of speech that picture old age and death. [Note: See G. A. Barton, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Ecclesiastes, pp. 186-91; Harry Torcszyner, "The Riddle in the Bible," Hebrew Union College Annual 1 (1924):125-49; Michael Leahy, "The Meaning of Ecclesiastes 12:1-5," Irish Theological Quarterly 19 (1952):297-300, reprinted in Zuck, ed., Reflecting with . . ., pp. 375-79; and Michael V. Fox, "Aging and Death in Qoheleth 12," Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 42 (1988):55-77, reprinted in Zuck, ed., Reflecting with . . ., pp. 381-99.] Some interpreters believed the writer was describing the aging process, [Note: E.g., Creshaw, "Youth and . . ."; Eaton; et al.] and others believed death is the emphasis. [Note: E.g., Hubbard, Ogden, et al.] Perhaps old age leading to death is the best option.