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Pozytywne i negatywne odcienie starości w Biblii hebrajskiej

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Smolarz S.

Theologica Wratislaviensia

2015

vol. 10. Widoki na starość. Interdyscyplinarne studia gerontologiczne

99-108

The article is an attempt to present, on a literary level, two differing perspectives of old age in various texts of the Hebrew Bible. First, a suggestion is made regarding the point in life when somebody could be regarded as old. A brief mention is made of the longevity of characters appearing in the so-called Primeval Cycle of Genesis 1-11. Then, it is indicated that Levitical instructions of Numbers 4 and 8 as well as rules of valuating people in Leviticus 27, can settle the beginning of old age at fifty or sixty years of age respectively, dependent on the type of work one performed. Second, the article focuses on positive aspects of old age in the Hebrew Bible, showing that to grow old was desired, since it was regarded as a realization and fulfilment of somebody's life. Old age in certain contexts can be viewed as a blessing from YHWH (e.g., Exod. 20,12) and a reward for a righteous living (Ps. 92,12-15). Old people according to Levitical traditions are to be respected because YHWH himself respects their old age (cf. Lev. 19,32). In early sapiential traditions of the Book of Proverbs, old age is connected with wisdom as this qualification assumes not only theoretical knowledge, but requires much practical experience. Therefore, wisdom seldom goes hand in hand with the young. Third, the article proceeds to present negative aspects of old age described in various traditions of the Hebrew Bible. It is pointed out that those texts speak honestly of infirmities of being old, such as weaker eyesight and taste, decreasing ability to procreate, and increasing disposition to being manipulated by others. A special accumulation of negative features of old age can be found in a later sapiential tradition of Qoheleth 12,2-6. Yet, it is suggested that old age is not the worst experience accoring to the sage, but endless oppression and loneliness are (cf. Eccles. 4,1-3.7-12). Finally, it is noted that some traditions expressing eschatological hope restore and promote the positive picture of old age. Deutero-Isaiah looks to a lengthening of human life far beyond a hundred years (Isa. 65,20). The Book of Jubilees 23,27 gives hope of extending human life to nearly a thousand years, which may be viewed as returning to the unrealized ideal of the Primeval Cycle in Genesis 1-11. Thus, old age can be viewed mainly as a positive perspective of human life.

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1 Theologica Wratislaviensia

1 Smolarz S.

1 2015

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Pozytywne i negatywne odcienie starości w Biblii hebrajskiej