The concept of prolonging life or days is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with obedience to God's commandments, wisdom, and righteousness. The term "prolongs" is frequently used in the context of God's promises to His people, emphasizing the blessings of longevity and prosperity as a result of faithful living.

Biblical References:

1. Obedience and Longevity:
· In the Old Testament, the promise of prolonged life is closely tied to obedience to God's laws. Deuteronomy 5:33 states, "Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." This verse underscores the connection between following God's commandments and the blessing of extended life in the Promised Land.

2. Wisdom and Righteousness:
· Proverbs frequently associates wisdom and righteousness with the prolonging of life. Proverbs 3:1-2 advises, "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life." Here, the pursuit of wisdom and adherence to divine instruction are seen as pathways to a longer, more peaceful life.

3. The Fear of the Lord:
· The fear of the Lord is another key element linked to prolonged life. Proverbs 10:27 declares, "The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short." This verse contrasts the outcomes of those who revere God with those who live in wickedness, highlighting the protective and life-extending benefits of a reverent relationship with God.

4. Parental Honor:
· The commandment to honor one's parents is directly associated with the promise of prolonged life. Exodus 20:12 instructs, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment, reiterated in the New Testament (Ephesians 6:2-3), emphasizes the importance of familial respect as a means to receive God's blessing of longevity.

5. Divine Sovereignty:
· While human actions and attitudes can influence the length of one's life, the Bible also acknowledges God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death. Job 12:10 affirms, "The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind." This recognition of divine control serves as a reminder that, ultimately, God determines the span of each person's life.

Theological Implications:

The biblical theme of prolonging life through obedience, wisdom, and reverence for God reflects a broader theological understanding of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The promise of extended life is not merely a reward but a natural consequence of living in harmony with God's will. It serves as an encouragement for believers to pursue righteousness and maintain a faithful relationship with the Creator.

In summary, the concept of "prolongs" in the Bible is intricately linked to the principles of obedience, wisdom, reverence, and divine sovereignty. These elements collectively underscore the biblical worldview that a life aligned with God's commandments and purposes is one that is blessed with the potential for longevity and fulfillment.3254. yasaph -- to add
... join (1), longer (9), longer* (7), more (18), more shall be done (1), more also
(1), more* (5), once more* (3), once* (1), prolong (1), prolongs (1), repeated ...
/hebrew/3254.htm - 6k

748. arak -- to be long
... 1), endures (1), lengthen (3), lengthened (1), lingered (2), live (2), long (5),
long* (3), makes him slow (1), prolong (8), prolonged (4), prolongs (1), stick ...
/hebrew/748.htm - 6k

The Two Paths
... The general call to listen in verse 10 is characteristically enforced by
the Old Testament assurance that obedience prolongs life. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the two paths.htm

Regeneration and Faith.
... sacraments." And also the canons of Dort, Third and Fourth Heads of doctrine, section
17: "As the almighty operation of God, whereby He prolongs and supports ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiii regeneration and faith.htm

Dwight, Timothy
... literature and education." I love thy kingdom, Lord 208 Shall man, O God of
light and life 596 While life prolongs its precious light 254. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/dwight timothy.htm

Psalm 107:3. Third Part. Intemperance Punished and Pardoned; Or, a ...
... 4 Then how the frighted sinners fly To God for help with earnest cry! He hears their
groans, prolongs their breath, And saves them from approaching death,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 107 3 0 third part intemperance.htm

Time How Short.
... Graves will open soon for us! Daily sin, and care, and strife,. While the Lord prolongs
our breath,. Make it but a dying life,. Or a kind of living death: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 2 time how short.htm

On Commencing a Church and Cemetery.
... We live,"Oh! let the living praise. The goodness that prolongs our breath; We
die,"die daily; all our days. Be preparation-days for death. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccxcviii on commencing a.htm

An Evening Hymn, Psalm 4 8 and 3 5 6 and 143 8
... 8. 1 Thus far the Lord has led me on, Thus far his power prolongs my days, And
every evening shall make known Some fresh memorial of his grace. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 097222222 an evening hymn.htm

LM Doddridge. The Patient Waiting Upon God.
... 4 Still, till their Father's well-known voice Wakens their silence into songs; Then
earth grows vocal with His praise, And heaven the grateful shout prolongs. ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/529 l m doddridge the.htm

Bless the Lord, My Soul
... And ready to abate. He pardons all thy sins; Prolongs thy feeble breath;
He healeth thine infirmities,. And ransoms thee from death. ...
/.../holy communion introits 318 bless.htm

Psalm 107 Part 3 Intemperance Punished and Pardoned.
... Then how the frighted sinners fly. To God for help with earnest cry! He hears their
groans, prolongs their breath,. And saves them from approaching death. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 107 part 3 intemperance.htm

Prolongs (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Prolongs (4 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Proverbs 10:27 The
fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ...
/p/prolongs.htm - 7k

Untempered (5 Occurrences)
... The surface is rubbed smooth and is attractive in appearance. This coating prolongs
the life of the wall but requires yearly attention if the wall is to stand. ...
/u/untempered.htm - 9k

Prominence (1 Occurrence)

/p/prominence.htm - 6k

Prolonging (5 Occurrences)

/p/prolonging.htm - 8k

Shortened (11 Occurrences)
... He shortened my days. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Proverbs 10:27 The
fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ...
/s/shortened.htm - 9k

Religion (23 Occurrences)
... sin. But he who does not accept a bribe, who has a care for the oppressed,
To him Shamash is gracious, his life he prolongs. 45 ...
/r/religion.htm - 101k

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)
... sin. But he who does not accept a bribe, who has a care for the oppressed,
To him Shamash is gracious, his life he prolongs. 45 ...
/b/babylonia.htm - 75k

Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... sin. But he who does not accept a bribe, who has a care for the oppressed,
To him Shamash is gracious, his life he prolongs. 45 ...
/a/assyria.htm - 101k

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