Ecclesiastes

By Chapter/verse

Ecclesiastes 12

"As to thy question concerning the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes: This is prophecy regarding the coming of Jesus in that book, the signs and marks of which were fulfilled with the appearance of the Promised One of the Bible {"Bible" signifies the Old Testament; "Gospel" signifies the New Testament} ; but since the Jews did not understand the meaning thereof, so they denied Jesus and God forbid! — said that He was the deformed (Antichrist). Then it is said by Jesus in the Gospel, that similar signs would appear in the "last day" — or in other words — in the day when Christ will come the second time in this world. The interpretation of these statements is mentioned in the clearest manner and with the most wonderful proofs in the Book of Ighan {uring the time of Bahá'u'lláh's residence in Baghdad (the Dwelling of Peace), men of learning, including Jews, Christians and Mohammedans, visited Him seeking answer to religious and scriptural questions. Such answer He gave in the Book of Ighan, otherwise known as the Book of Explanations and Assurance. It concerns the Reality and Authority of the human Divine "Manifestations."}. His honor, Ali-Kuli-Khan, has already translated this Book which will soon be published in America {The book was published in 1904.}. Then you will be informed of the explanation and interpretation of these verses and statements as elucidated by the Blessed Perfection. Therefore my interpretation is not necessary."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, pp. 106-107)

Ecclesiastics 12:6--Man's Neglect of God

"The passage in Ecclesiastics 12:6 should be interpreted allegorically, and not be taken in its literal meaning. It has reference to the effect of man's neglect of God his creator."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, January 14, 1938, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1655)