The book of Ecclesiastes is best known for its repeated pessimistic refrain that 'everything is meaningless', or 'vanity'. However, a thorough reading demonstrates that this is not its final conclusion. It points beyond an 'under the sun' perspective, to the fear of God, keeping his commandments and the expectation of a coming judgment. Knut Heim's commentary examines issues related to the text, assesses its purpose and structure, and offers pointers to its contemporary relevance.