Jul 1952 - Q & A

Question.-Referring to Mr. J. Miller's remarks in his article on "The Holy Spirit and His work: in Creation and Genesis", page 22, lines 7-11, re the shortening of human life normally to 120 years, after the flood, can this be substantiated in the light of what is written in Genesis 11. regarding the ages of the descendants of Shem, all born after the flood? Several of these lived over 400 years, others over 200 years. Abraham and Isaac also both lived considerably longer than 120 years.

Answer.-It is quite clear that there was a definite reduction of the age of men after the Flood from men's ages prior to that event. Noah, whose life was lived in both periods, died when he was 950. The ages in Genesis 11. tumble down from Shem 600 to Terah 205. Then we have Abraham's age still further reduced to 175, Isaac 180, Ishmael 187, Jacob 147, Joseph 110. Why this reduction? Does God act towards man without informing him of what he intends to do?

Then, though Moses says that man's age is 70 or 80 (Psalm 90.), it is clear that the lawgiver was not subject himself to that ruling, for he died at 120. Joshua too did not have his years cut to the 70 or 80 mark, for he died at 110. Caleb was hale and hearty to fight at 85, and I presume he lived as long as Joshua. Eli died at 98 accidentally. Saul and David died at 70, the former in battle and the latter in the exhaustion of old age.

It will be seen that there was a time in Genesis when there was a definite reduction in the age limit, though the change was gradual from a particular point. So also in Moses' time there was a reduction again, though again the change was gradual.

If we were to take the average age at which human beings die now I suppose it would be about 80 to 85 years. It used to be around 25, but people generally are living longer now.

I am of the opinion and have been for a long time, that the age limit was reduced on two occasions, in Genesis 6. and in the days of Moses.

Certainly the old statement that the ark was 120 years in building is entirely false.

unknown | Jul 1952
Question And Answer