Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5725 old age » 5726 old age, attainment of Attaining old age is regarded as a blessing from God, often as a reward for obedience. The physical weakness brought by old age is recognised; so too is God's ability to strengthen and sustain the aged. Old age is often accompanied by a growth in wisdom and discernment. Life expectancy in the OT Before the flood Genesis 5:5,8,11,27 Methuselah died in the year of the flood; Genesis 9:29 After the flood Genesis 6:3 See also Genesis 11:10-25 Following the flood, the span of life gradually reduces; Genesis 25:7-8 Abraham's death at 175 is considered “a good old age”. In later generations Psalm 90:10 See also 2 Samuel 5:4-5; Samuel 19:34-35 Attaining old age is a blessing from God Long life as a reward for obedience Deuteronomy 5:33 See also Exodus 20:12 pp Deuteronomy 5:16; Deuteronomy 4:40; Proverbs 3:1-2; Proverbs 16:31; Ecclesiastes 8:13 Reaching old age is a mark of God's favour Genesis 15:15 See also Genesis 24:1; Genesis 35:29 Isaac; Judges 8:32 Gideon; 1 Chronicles 29:28 David, like Abraham and Gideon is described as dying at “a good old age”; 2 Chronicles 24:15 Jehoiada; Job 42:17 Job People reaching old age indicates God's blessing on society Zechariah 8:4 See also Isaiah 65:20 Seeing grandchildren is a sign of blessing Proverbs 17:6 See also Genesis 48:11; Genesis 50:22-23; Ruth 4:15; Job 42:16; Psalm 128:5-6; Isaiah 53:10 Failure to reach old age is a result of God's judgment The disabilities of old age Its frailties Psalm 71:9 See also Genesis 27:1; Genesis 48:10; 1 Kings 1:1; Kings 15:23; Ecclesiastes 12:2-7 an allegory portraying physical decline The progressive inability to have children Genesis 18:11-13 See also Genesis 17:17; Genesis 37:3 Children born in old age were rare and therefore special; 2 Kings 4:14; Luke 1:18 The approach of death Genesis 27:2; 1 Kings 1:15; 1 Chronicles 23:1 God's provision for the aged God strengthens and sustains them Isaiah 46:4 See also Deuteronomy 34:7; Joshua 14:10-11; Job 5:26; Psalm 92:14 God gives them children Genesis 21:7 Abraham and Sarah; 2 Kings 4:16-17 the Shunammite woman; Luke 1:36 Elizabeth Wisdom and self-control should accompany old age Job 12:12 See also Job 15:10; Proverbs 20:29; John 8:9; Titus 2:2 See also
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