A great question!
The idea that humans typically live for 70 years is based on Psalm 90:10, which says:
"The length of our days is seventy years—eighty, if vigorous; and yet the best tend to fade like the grass."
This verse is part of a psalm that reflects on the brevity of human life compared to eternity. The author is lamenting the fact that human life is short and fleeting, and that even the most robust and healthy among us will still experience decline and aging.
The number 70 has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, but it's generally understood as a symbolic representation of a typical human lifespan. Some interpreters have seen this verse as providing guidance on how to live well within the limitations of our mortal lives, while others have used it to underscore the importance of being prepared for death and eternity.
It's worth noting that this is just one passage in Scripture, and other passages present different perspectives on human longevity. For example, Psalm 90:12 says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom," which suggests that humans can live longer than 70 years if they prioritize wise living.
Ultimately, while Psalm 90:10 provides a general guideline for understanding the typical human lifespan, it's important to remember that individual experiences and circumstances can vary greatly.
A great reference!
In Jeremiah 25:11-12, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of a 70-year period of judgment and captivity for Judah:
"And this whole land shall be desolate, neither shall it yield its fruit; yea, also the cattle shall perish. And they shall serve their own kings, whom I have caused them to serve therefore they shall not be pitied."
He then specifies that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar will serve the God of heaven for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11-12). This prophecy is often seen as a prediction of the length of time Judah would be in exile, from 605 BCE to 536 BCE.
In Jeremiah 29:10, we find another reference to this 70-year period:
"For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished unto the heathen, the tree shall be cut down, and all the people shall come against Jerusalem again."
This prophecy is often seen as a promise of restoration and redemption for Judah, indicating that after the 70-year period of captivity, the Jews would return to their land and rebuild their cities (Ezekiel 37:21-28).
The 70-year prophecy has significant implications for biblical interpretation, apocalyptic literature, and even eschatological expectations. It's a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over human history and His promise of redemption and restoration.
According to the biblical account in Genesis 1:27-31 and 5:3, God created humans (Adam) and gave them a commandment to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). There is no specific statement about how many years God intended for humans to live on earth.
However, according to the biblical account of the patriarchs in Genesis 5, some notable figures lived to be:
* Adam: 930 years (Genesis 5:3-5)
* Seth: 912 years (Genesis 5:8)
* Enosh: 905 years (Genesis 5:11)
* Kenan: 910 years (Genesis 5:15)
These ages are often referred to as the "antediluvian" period, before the Great Flood. After the Flood, human lifespan gradually decreased, with the longest-lived person being Methuselah, who lived to be 969 years old (Genesis 5:27).
It's worth noting that these ages may be symbolic or metaphorical, rather than historical facts. Many scholars interpret these numbers as a way of emphasizing the significance and impact of each patriarch's life on human history.
In any case, according to the biblical account, God did not specify a particular number of years for humans to live on earth. Instead, He gave humanity the gift of life and entrusted them with responsibility for caring for the earth and honoring His commandments.
Psalm 90:10 is a powerful verse that says:
"The years of our life are seventy, or eighty, if we have the strength; and yet the best of them are from hard work and pain; for they soon pass away."
This verse speaks to the brevity and fragility of human life. The psalmist is saying that even in the best of times, when we're healthy and strong (up to age 70 or 80), our years are still limited and fleeting.
The phrase "from hard work and pain" suggests that these years may not be easy or comfortable. We may have to struggle and suffer to achieve what we want in life. And even then, those good years will "soon pass away."
This verse can be seen as a reminder to make the most of our time, to use it wisely, and to prioritize what's truly important to us. It encourages us to cherish each day and to live with intention and purpose, knowing that our time is limited.
What do you think this verse says about human life?
The verse you're referring to is likely Genesis 6:3, which states:
"And the Lord said, My spirit shall not strive with man for ever; for he is indeed a corruption; and the days of the flood are come. Verily I will destroy them with the earth."
However, it's important to note that this verse does not explicitly state that humans would live up to 120 years. The relevant passage is actually Genesis 6:3-4, which says:
"And the Lord said, My spirit shall not strive with man for ever; for he is indeed a corruption; and the days of the flood are come. Verily I will destroy them with the earth.
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
The phrase "all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth" (Genesis 6:12) suggests that humanity's behavior had become corrupt, which led to God's decision to send a flood to destroy all life on Earth except for Noah and his family.
Regarding the number 120, it is mentioned in Genesis 6:3 as "the years of man" or "the years of the human lifespan," but this does not necessarily mean that humans would live up to 120 years. The context suggests that God was setting a limit on human lifespan due to humanity's corrupt behavior.
In Psalm 90:10, we read:
"The days of our years are threescore years and ten; but if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their boast but labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."
Here, the psalmist says that human lifespan is generally 70-80 years, not 120. While there have been recorded instances of people living longer than 100 years throughout history, these cases are exceptional rather than the norm.
In summary, while Genesis 6:3 mentions "the days of man" or "the years of the human lifespan," it does not explicitly state that humans would live up to 120 years.
In the Bible, 70 to 80 is a significant age range that appears several times in different contexts. Here are some notable instances:
**70**
* **Moses**: According to Exodus 7:7 and 33:37, Moses was 80 years old when he left Egypt, but his face shone because he had spent time with God on the mountain. Some interpret this as suggesting that Moses was around 70 years old at the time of the Exodus.
* **Joshua**: In Joshua 24:31, it is written that Joshua lived to be about 110 years old, which would put him in his early 70s when he died.
* **Elijah**: According to 2 Kings 2:11-12, Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. If we assume this event occurred around the time of King Ahaziah's reign (around 853 BCE), and considering Elijah's prophetic ministry began during King Ahab's reign (around 874 BCE), he would have been around 70 years old at his ascension.
**80**
* **Abraham**: In Genesis 21:5, God said to Abraham, "I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son." If we assume this event occurred around 1921 BCE (based on traditional dating of the Exodus), Abraham would have been around 80 years old when Isaac was born.
* **Job**: In Job 42:16, it is written that Job lived to be 140 years old. While Job's age at death is not explicitly stated, some scholars estimate he was in his early 80s when he died.
* **Eli**: According to 1 Samuel 4:15-18, Eli was about 98 years old when he died. If we assume this event occurred around the time of the Philistine invasion (around 1050 BCE), Eli would have been around 80 years old at his death.
These instances serve as reminders that, in biblical times, people often lived into their 70s and 80s, which was considered a relatively advanced age. However, it's essential to note that these ages are not necessarily indicative of the average lifespan during those eras, but rather reflect exceptional individuals who played significant roles in Israel's history.
Psalm 90:10 is a beautiful and meaningful verse!
The verse reads:
"Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
In this context, "numbering our days" means to be aware of the brevity and fleeting nature of human life. The psalmist is asking God to teach them to appreciate and make the most of the time they have.
The phrase "that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" suggests that when we are mindful of our limited time, we will be more motivated to seek wisdom and use it wisely. Wisdom here refers to the application of knowledge and understanding in a way that honors God and brings joy and fulfillment to our lives.
This verse is often seen as a call to live intentionally and make the most of the time we have. It encourages us to:
1. Be mindful of our mortality: Recognize that life is short, and this should motivate us to use our time wisely.
2. Seek wisdom: As we become aware of our limited time, let's seek wisdom from God's Word, prayer, and wise counsel, and apply it in a way that honors Him.
3. Live intentionally: Use the time we have to pursue God's purposes and make the most of every opportunity.
This verse is often applied to various areas of life, such as:
* Prioritizing relationships and building strong connections with loved ones
* Investing in personal growth and spiritual development
* Pursuing meaningful work or ministry that brings fulfillment
* Making the most of our time and energy
Overall, Psalm 90:10 reminds us to cherish every moment, seek wisdom, and live intentionally, all for the glory of God.
Psalm 90:10 in the King James Version (KJV) reads:
"The days of our years are threescore years and ten; or even by reason of strength fourscore, yet is their reckoning the sorrow of my heart."