The Bible's Lifespan Judgment
The lifespan of humanity has been a topic of theological discussion for centuries. In the Bible, there are references to different lengths of human life. Genesis 6:3 mentions a 120-year lifespan decreed by God, while Psalm 90:10, traditionally attributed to Moses, speaks of a lifespan of "three score and ten" (70 years). This blog post explores these differing perspectives, delving into the reasons behind the 120-year decree and why Moses referenced a 70-year lifespan.
God's Decree of 120 Years in Genesis
In Genesis 6:3, we read: "Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.'" This verse appears in the context of a narrative about the increasing wickedness of humanity before the Great Flood.
At this time, the world was described as filled with corruption and violence. The "sons of God" were intermingling with the "daughters of men," leading to a society that was morally and spiritually degraded. The divine response to this pervasive wickedness was multifaceted, including the decision to limit human lifespan.
Biblical Interpretation of the 120 Years
There are two primary interpretations of the 120-year lifespan mentioned in Genesis:
Limit on Human Lifespan: One interpretation is that God set a new limit on the human lifespan due to the corruption and sinfulness prevalent in the world. Before the flood, individuals such as Methuselah lived for centuries. The 120 years can be seen as a divine act to shorten human life to curb wickedness.
Countdown to the Flood: Another interpretation is that the 120 years represent the time remaining until the Great Flood. God, in His patience, gave humanity 120 years to repent before the judgment of the flood.
The 120-year limit can be seen as both a form of divine judgment and mercy. By reducing the lifespan, God curtailed the duration of human suffering and sinfulness. Additionally, the countdown interpretation underscores God's mercy, providing a lengthy period for repentance before the impending judgment.
Shortened Lifespan is Divine Judgment
The decree of 120 years as a lifespan limit can be understood as a direct response to the rampant sinfulness of humanity. By shortening human lives, God was addressing the issue of prolonged wickedness. A shorter lifespan meant fewer years for humans to engage in sinful behavior.
Conversely, the countdown interpretation highlights God's patience and mercy. The 120 years given before the flood served as a prolonged warning period, offering ample time for repentance and transformation. Despite humanity's failures, God's extended period of grace reflects His desire for redemption rather than destruction.
Psalm's 90:10 "Three Score and Ten"
Psalm 90:10 states: "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." This psalm, attributed to Moses, reflects on the transience of human life.
Moses, as a leader of the Israelites, experienced firsthand the brevity and fragility of human life. The psalm contrasts the eternal nature of God with the fleeting existence of humans. It serves as a meditation on the human condition, acknowledging the challenges and limitations of earthly life.
The 70-year lifespan mentioned in Psalm 90:10 reflects the average lifespan during biblical times. Unlike the pre-flood era, where ages spanned several centuries, the post-flood period saw a significant reduction in lifespan. This reduction is historically corroborated by archaeological and historical records of ancient civilizations.
Theological Interpretation of the 70 Years
The lifespan of "three score and ten" can be seen as an acknowledgment of the typical human experience in a post-flood world. It highlights the reality of human mortality and the challenges of aging.
During the time of Moses, the average human lifespan was considerably shorter than the pre-flood patriarchs. The 70 years mentioned likely represents a realistic expectation for the life span of a healthy individual in that era. This aligns with historical data from ancient civilizations, where lifespans were often curtailed by disease, warfare, and harsh living conditions.
In biblical literature, numbers often carry symbolic meanings. The number 70, or "three score and ten," could symbolize completeness or fulfillment. It represents a full life, acknowledging that while life is brief, it can be meaningful and complete within the constraints of human mortality.
Reasons for the Bible's Various Lifespan Decrees
Pre-Flood Corruption and Post-Flood Reality
Moral Decline: The pre-flood world was marked by extensive moral decline and corruption, prompting God to intervene with both the flood and the limitation on human lifespan. The longer lifespans of the pre-flood era allowed more time for the accumulation of sin and wickedness.
Post-Flood Conditions: Post-flood, the environmental and social conditions likely changed significantly, contributing to the natural reduction in human lifespan. The flood not only reset human civilization but also altered the world's ecology and living conditions, leading to shorter lifespans.
Divine Judgment
Divine Judgment and Mercy: The shortening of human lifespan can be seen as a blend of judgment and mercy. Judgment for the sins committed, and mercy in limiting the time humans spend in a fallen, suffering world. By reducing lifespan, God provided a way to lessen the impact of sin on the world.
Symbolic Numbers: In biblical literature, numbers often carry symbolic meaning. The number 120 might symbolize a complete period of probation or waiting, while 70 could signify a complete, albeit brief, human life in a post-fall world. Both numbers highlight the structured and purposeful nature of God's plan for humanity.
The Role of Human Perception and Context
Cultural Context: The understanding and expectations of human life varied across different periods. What was long in one era might be perceived as short in another. The drastic difference between pre-flood and post-flood lifespans reflects changes in societal, environmental, and biological factors.
Human Perception: Biblical authors, inspired by God, also wrote from their human perspectives. Moses, writing in a time when lifespans were shorter, naturally reflected his contemporary reality in his writings. This perspective helps us understand the practical and existential considerations of the era.
Modern Lifespan vs. the Bible
In the 21st century, the average human lifespan has increased significantly compared to historical and biblical times. As of 2023, the global average life expectancy is approximately 73 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This remarkable increase is the result of numerous factors, including advancements in medical technology, improved sanitation, better nutrition, and comprehensive public health initiatives. In more developed regions, such as North America and Western Europe, life expectancy often exceeds 80 years. For example, in Japan, which has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, the average lifespan is about 85 years.
When comparing the biblical lifespan of "three score and ten" with today's averages, it is evident that modern advancements have vastly improved human longevity. While the biblical figure of 70 years was a realistic and even optimistic estimate in ancient times, today's figures show that many people are living well beyond this age. This progression highlights the impact of scientific and social advancements on human health and longevity. It also underscores the dynamic nature of life expectancy, which can change dramatically with improvements in technology, healthcare, and living conditions but it is no coincedence, even with improved healthcare that the average age is close to the biblical model!
Conclusion
The biblical references to human lifespan—120 years in Genesis and "three score and ten" in Psalms—reflect different aspects of God's interaction with humanity. The 120-year decree highlights a period of divine patience and a shift in human experience post-flood, while the 70-year lifespan aligns with the historical and cultural context of later biblical times. Together, these perspectives underscore the themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the transient nature of human life.
By understanding these different decrees, we gain deeper insight into the biblical narrative and the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human existence. Whether viewed as a limit on human life or a period of repentance, these lifespans remind us of the brevity of life and the importance of living in accordance with divine will.
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