Bible Dictionary
Age, Old
Old age was honored in Israel as a blessing and a source of wisdom. The aged were to receive respect and often served as representatives and counselors of the people.
Definition
Old age is the later period of human life. In Israelite society, the aged occupied a respected place as people regarded as repositories of knowledge, wisdom, and experience.
Biblical Usage
The young were commanded to rise in the presence of the aged, and older people were allowed to give their opinions first. Gray hair was treated as a crown of glory, and attaining old age was regarded as a blessing.
Historical Background
Elders also served as representatives of the people in difficult matters and deliberations. Their prominence was therefore both domestic and public.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The aged occupied a prominent place in the social and political system of the Jews. In private life they were looked up to as the depositaries of knowledge, (Job 15:10) the young were ordered to rise up in their presence, (Leviticus 19:32) they allowed them to give their opinion first, (Job 32:4) they were taught to regard gray hair as a “crown of glory,” (Proverbs 16:31; 20:29) The attainment of old age was regarded as a special blessing. (Job 5:26) In pubic main qualification of those who acted as the representatives of the people in all matter of difficulty and deliberation. [ELDERS]