Ecclesiastes as Research: Autoethnography Through a Rear-vision Mirror

Abstract

The Bible is a book of many surprises. Not least of these is that it contains accounts of research. In a collection of 66 books mostly in Hebrew, Greek, and some Aramaic, through more than 40 Holy Spirit inspired authors, stretching over one and a half millennia, God gives a special revelation of Himself and His purposes for humanity. The texts deal with or touch on subjects ranging from history, literature and philosophy to health and hygiene, prophecy, law, natural science and the environment; and more. Across this wide spectrum of content, no less than four distinct instances of research conducted by individuals can be identified; three in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament.