The BEMA Podcast

455: Qohelet Fights the Power

Jun 19, 2025
Brent Billings hosts Josh Bossé, a thought leader on biblical narratives, to explore Qohelet's insights into injustice and oppression. They dissect Ecclesiastes, reflecting on the futility of labor and the burden of envy. The discussion highlights the significance of community and connection, accentuating how relationships enrich life's purpose. Through powerful biblical metaphors and narratives, they emphasize the importance of solidarity in facing societal challenges, urging listeners to find balance between toil and tranquility.
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INSIGHT

Oppression's Weight and Despair

  • Kohelet observes the deep oppression and sees no comfort for the oppressed or their oppressors.
  • She concludes those never born are better off, never witnessing such suffering.
INSIGHT

Life’s Burden: Witnessing Injustice

  • Kohelet's claim about the dead and unborn being better off highlights the unbearable pain of witnessing oppression.
  • She emphasizes the harm of being alive in a world full of injustice with no comfort.
ANECDOTE

Neighbors React to Practical Repairs

  • Brent needed gutters to fix his house drainage, but neighbors wondered if it meant an upgrade to compete.
  • This shows how practical acts can unintentionally trigger social competition among neighbors.
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