The author of Ecclesiastes was searching for lasting value in life but couldn't find any "under the sun." When a Christian starts reading Ecclesiastes, the first reaction is often "This sure is negative and discouraging."

A distinctive feature of Under the Sun and in the Kingdom: A Devotional Commentary on Ecclesiastes is combining the passage-by-passage teaching of Ecclesiastes with corresponding New Testament lessons. Life for a Christian runs on two simultaneous tracks, ordinary daily life "under the sun," and life in the Kingdom of God. Instead of analyzing philosophy or theology, Under the Sun and in the Kingdom: A Devotional Commentary on Ecclesiastes presents practical applications of the message of Ecclesiastes and the Kingdom of God. The Christian Standard Bible, a modern translation by evangelical scholars, is the primary translation. Features include translation notes, Bible cross references, and an index of all Bible references and section titles.