Seeing What Qohelet Saw - Published

Wipf and Stock have been kind enough to publish my revised Master's Thesis on the structure of Ecclesiastes. (I detailed the process here.) You can even pay them lots of money for your very own copy! Here is the link.

I've enjoyed the process of re-reading it several times and think it still holds up as an argument for my my structure of alternating panels of observation and wisdom based around the verb ראה (to see). Here's a pretty PDF of the structure if you're interested in the big picture. The more detailed one is within the book (well, it sort of is the book).

It was especially nice to see a few friends write endorsements for the book:

“Anyone who reads Ecclesiastes finds it hard to discern a clear structure. Amid the tangle of proposed structures, Fyfe outlines a way forward. He argues cogently for alternating observation and wisdom panes, with ‘to see’ marking out the former. Highly recommended for those interested in Ecclesiastes and the structure of biblical books.”

—Peter Lau, Visiting Lecturer in Old Testament, Sydney Missionary and Bible College

Peter has been published a number of times on the book of Ruth (most notably in the NSBT series), and after teaching in Malaysia for a number of years has recently returned to Sydney. He even preached for me recently!

“Like Qohelet himself, Fyfe reports what he has seen. His acute observation of the Hebrew text exposes the rhythms and artistry of Ecclesiastes. In doing so, he clarifies the meaning of this elusive book. Scholars and preachers should read this study and be stimulated ‘to find words of delight’ in the wisdom of the Preacher.”

—Richard J. Gibson, Principal, Brisbane School of Theology

Richard first nurtured my love of patterns in the Bible, and his work on the structure Romans bears many similarities to my structure of Ecclesiastes.

“Fyfe ventures into the enigma of Qohelet’s thought and seeks to wrest a structure from the murkiness of the ancient sage’s rambling. Fyfe argues for a deliberate pattern of alternating observation and wisdom, such that there may indeed be meaning within the apparent meaningless of Qohelet’s monologue.”

—George Athas, Director of Research, Moore College

George supervised my thesis, and is also about to publish a commentary on Ecclesiastes (in the Story of God commentary series).

In the next couple of weeks the book should come out through the well-known trillion dollar multi-national seller and e-book publisher. I should also be able to purchase some copies at author's rates if you'd like a copy at mate's rates - I can even not sign it for you if you'd like a clean-skin.