Pharos Journal of Theology ISSN 1018-9556 Volume 98 - (2017) Copyright: ©2016 – Open Access- Online @ http//: www.pharosjot.com 1 Water and Justice: Reading the Irony of Qoheleth 2:4-6 against the Selfish Distribution of Resources on the African Continent Dr. Kavusa Kivatsi Jonathan 1 University of Pretoria Postdoctoral Fellow Researcher jokakiv@yahoo.fr Abstract The whole text of Qoheleth 2 notes the disappointing effect of the misuse of power to gather wealth for oneself to the detriment of many. In accord with the irony of Qoheleth 2:4-6, this article investigates the appropriate role of governments in addressing problems related to the availability and issues surrounding distribution of resources, especially water, as a matter of public justice. Qoheleth 2:4-6 is contrasted with Ancient Near Eastern inscriptions in which kings rather boast for the good they did for their people, for example, the provision of water. The unsatisfactory feeling of Qoheleth discouraged the self-centred distribution of resources for personal gain. Keys words: Water supply, access, Ancient Near Eastern Inscriptions, sanitation, gardens, vineyards, orchards and pools of water. Introduction Water scarcity has emerged as one of the most pressing issues in the twenty first century making many people unable to lead healthy lives and lacking in the ability to build secure livelihoods (Mehta, 2009:1). However, it is currently argued that contemporary water shortages around the globe are not necessarily due to the lack of water per se, but very often due to issues of the uneven distribution of the existing supplies of water. 2 Qoheleth 2:4-6 ironizes the unbalanced distribution of water where he creates the irrigation and sanitation systems for his own personal benefit contrasting with most of the Ancient Near Eastern 1 Dr KAVUSA KIVATSI Jonathan is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the department of Old Testament at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. 2 There is enough fresh water on the planet for all. However, due to bad politics, millions of people, mostly children, die every year from water-related diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. See http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/ (accessed 26 March 2017). Open Rubric