Topical Bible: Years: (Being Full of) of Old Age

◄ Years: (Being Full of) of Old Age ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of living to a "full old age" is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with a life of righteousness, wisdom, and divine blessing. This notion is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of life as a gift from God, where longevity is seen as a sign of God's favor and a reward for a life well-lived in accordance with His commandments.

Biblical References and Context

1. Abraham: One of the earliest mentions of dying at a "good old age" is found in the account of Abraham. Genesis 25:8 states, "Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a ripe old age, an old man and full of years, and he was gathered to his people." Abraham's long life is portrayed as a testament to his faithfulness and the fulfillment of God's promises to him.

2. Isaac: Similarly, Isaac's life is described in Genesis 35:29, "Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him." Isaac's peaceful death at an old age underscores the continuity of God's covenant through the patriarchs.

3. Job: The story of Job provides another example. After enduring immense suffering and remaining faithful to God, Job is blessed with restoration and longevity. Job 42:17 concludes, "And so Job died, old and full of years." This reflects the biblical principle that perseverance in faith, even amidst trials, is honored by God.

4. David: King David's life is summarized in 1 Chronicles 29:28, "He died at a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place." David's full life is attributed to his heart for God, despite his imperfections, and his role in establishing a lasting dynasty.

Theological Implications

In the biblical worldview, reaching an old age "full of years" is not merely a matter of chronological longevity but is imbued with spiritual significance. It suggests a life marked by:

- Righteousness: A life lived in accordance with God's laws and principles. Proverbs 16:31 states, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness."

- Wisdom: The accumulation of knowledge and understanding that comes from a life of experience and reverence for God. Job 12:12 notes, "Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life."

- Divine Favor: Longevity is often seen as a blessing from God, a reward for faithfulness and obedience. Psalm 91:16 promises, "With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation."

Practical Application

For believers, the aspiration to live a "full old age" serves as an encouragement to pursue a life of faithfulness, integrity, and service to God and others. It is a call to value the wisdom of the elderly and to seek a life that reflects God's glory through righteous living.

In conclusion, the biblical portrayal of being "full of years" is a multifaceted concept that encompasses not only the length of life but also its quality and spiritual depth. It is a reminder of the blessings that come from a life devoted to God and the hope of eternal life beyond earthly years.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 25:8
Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Caleb --A Green Old Age
... Seven years of fighting have been got through, and the preparations are being made
for the ... and urges his request in a little speech, full of pathos and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/caleba green old age.htm

The Death of Abraham
... peace which is breathed over it all: 'So Job died, being old and full ... and entirely
warranted change, and instead of reading 'full of years,' read 'satisfied ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the death of abraham.htm

Refutation of the Homeric view of the Soul's Detention from Hades ...
... each case ought to have reached full eighty years ... be passed without one's body, it
being by help ... and judicial responsibilities in the graver years between ripe ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter lvi refutation of the homeric.htm

The Thirty ??ons are not Typified by the Fact that Christ was ...
... 4. Being thirty years old when He came to be baptized, and then possessing the full
age of a Master, [3131] He came to Jerusalem, so that He might be properly ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxii the thirty aeons are.htm

Making the Man.
... care, and her tears and prayers found full fruition in ... home upon his conscience the
necessity of being born again. ... us that when he was five years old he had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/ii making the man.htm

Barzillai
... can hear the tones, clear over all these years, of the ... In memory is half of his being,
and in hope is ... Your time of life is full of ebullient feeling, and sees ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/barzillai.htm

'A Time to Plant'
... only chance of keeping your hearts from being full of wickedness ... and wicked lives,
and 'their bones are full of the ... of you, has passed his early years in church ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a time to plant.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Fleming.
... that all the ministers in and about Edinburgh being called to ... his immediate conduct
through the days and years of my ... And now I do here with my full and joyful ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 9.htm

Finis Coronat Opus
... end will be the utter cessation of being and consciousness ... fills and often disturbs
the 'threescore years and ten ... growth and activity had been used to the full? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/finis coronat opus.htm

Edwin Reigned Most Gloriously Seventeen Years Over the Nations of ...
... called Haethfelth, Edwin was killed on the 12th of October, in the year of our Lord
633, being then forty-eight years of age ... And being old and full of days ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xx edwin reigned most.htm