Introduction

In Chapter 5 of Ecclesiastes, Solomon continues his exploration of life’s major beliefs, focusing on the concept of a divided heart. He addresses two key subjects, with the first being the nature of worship, which we will delve into today.

The Meaning of “Hevel”

To understand Solomon’s message, it’s essential to grasp the meaning of the word “meaningless,” translated from the Hebrew word “Hevel.” Hevel signifies something temporary, like vapor or smoke, and Solomon uses it 38 times in Ecclesiastes to highlight life’s fleeting and elusive nature. In Chapter 5, he reflects on the elusive nature of true worship.

Solomon’s tone in Chapter 5 shifts to a more direct and energized approach as he discusses the way people worship God. He emphasizes the importance of worshipping the right God in the right way, underscoring the condition of one’s heart when approaching the Lord.

The Essence of Worship

Worship, as Solomon describes, is not merely about singing; it’s about living a life of respect and devotion towards God. It’s about living a Godward life. In Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, Solomon offers a powerful exhortation:

“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.”

This passage sets the stage for understanding the right approach to worship.

The House of God

When Solomon refers to the “house of God,” he speaks of the temple, the central place of worship for the Jews. Before the temple, there was a mobile sanctuary called the tabernacle. The permanent temple, built by Solomon, was a magnificent structure that stood for about 400 years before being destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. It was later rebuilt and stood until 70 AD when the Romans destroyed it.

Today, there are no remnants of the temple in Jerusalem. Worship continued in synagogues after the temple’s destruction, and for Christians, the equivalent is the church. The church is where followers of Jesus gather to worship God, read Scripture, and grow in their faith. While God is not confined to a building, the church remains a significant place of worship.

Approaching God in Worship

Solomon’s advice to “guard your steps” when going to the house of God is both literal and figurative. Literally, the temple steps were designed to slow down the worshiper’s pace, prompting contemplation and reverence. Figuratively, it means watching the way we live our lives, ensuring consistency between our Sunday worship and our daily actions.

Living a Consistent Life

Solomon warns against living one way on Sunday and differently the rest of the week. True worship involves a consistent life of faith, pleasing God every day. It’s about avoiding hypocrisy and living in a way that honors God in all aspects of life.

Solomon challenges us to examine our hearts and prioritize our reverence for God. Reflecting on our divided hearts, we should strive to place God at the top of our priority list. This means giving God our best, not just on Sundays but every day.

Conclusion

In Ecclesiastes 5:2, Solomon reminds us that God is in heaven, and we are on earth. This perspective calls us to approach God with awe and wonder, recognizing His greatness and our smallness. Our worship should be filled with reverence, consistency, and a heartfelt devotion to God. Let us guard our steps, live a Godward life, and worship with awe and wonder every day.