Biblical Writings About Old Age

Biblical Writings about Old Age

Aging is one of the problems that hunt people. As the percentage of older people increases, problems, attitudes, responsibilities, and care related to the aging become matters of increasing concern. The Bible abundantly speaks on aging and the role the aged should be playing in life as well as the care they should receive. The Bible also teaches richly on the nature of aging, and the characteristics of the aged. This indicates that God takes the matter of old age seriously. This essay aims at assessing the teachings of the Bible on aging.

I- The nature of aging

Old age is a blessing from God. As any blessing from God deserves special care, so does aging. Christians believe that their attitude toward aging is particularly important because aging is a favor from God. They believe old age is granted by God as a result of godly life: “Follow the whole instruction the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live, prosper, and have a long life in the land you will possess” Deuteronomy 5:33.

There are many passages in the Bible that indicate that old age is both a favor and a reward from God, for people who live an exemplary moral life. That was the case with Abraham who loved God so much, obeyed him, served him and was even willing to sacrifice his own son to prove his faith. Then in order to reward him God promises him to live old: “And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age” Genesis 15, 15.

Hence, old age is a general part of God’s purpose for a normal life: “He took his last breath and died at a ripe old age, old and contented, and he was gathered to his people” (Genesis 25:8), “David son of Jesse… died at a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor…”

1 Chronicles 29:26, 28, “Then Job died, old and full of days” Job 42:17.