The Use of Midrash in Rashi's Commentary on Ecclesiastes

In his Biblical commentaries, Rashi made balanced use of Midrashim as well as the exegetical principle of Peshat. Here we analyze Rashi's use of Midrashim in his commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes. His method can be understood directly — by examining his own comments on it — and indirectly — by comparing Rashi's commentary to the other Midrashic sources and analyzing his selection of material. We find that Rashi's choice of Midrashim was influenced by the need to explain the biblical text as closely as possible to its plain textual meaning, while stressing the ethical and religious message relevant to the reader. Another factor influencing the choice of Midrashim in his commentary to the book of Ecclesiastes is their anti-Christological nature.