Age 70 holds a special place in biblical texts, symbolizing a period of completion, fulfillment, and divine significance. This article explores ten Bible verses that mention age 70, providing context and interpretation to uncover their deeper meanings and implications.
10 Bible Verses About Age 70
1. Psalm 90:10: The Span of Life
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (KJV)
Context and Interpretation:
Human Life Span: This verse reflects on the typical human lifespan, suggesting that 70 years is a standard measure of human life. It acknowledges the natural limitations and difficulties of life, even when extended to 80 years.
Reflection on Mortality: The verse invites believers to recognize the fleeting nature of life and to live wisely and in reverence to God.
2. Genesis 11:26: The Age of Terah
“When Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Genealogical Significance: Terah, the father of Abram (later Abraham), is noted for living 70 years before becoming a father. This age marks a significant genealogical point leading to the Abrahamic covenant.
Divine Timing: The age of Terah highlights the role of timing in the fulfillment of God’s promises and plans.
3. Jeremiah 29:10: The Seventy Years of Exile
“This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.’” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Exile and Restoration: The 70 years of exile represent a period of purification and judgment for the Israelites. The promise of return underscores God’s faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.
Divine Timing and Plan: This period emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s timing and the completion of His plans for His people.
4. Daniel 9:2: The Prophetic Understanding of Seventy Years
“In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Prophetic Insight: Daniel’s understanding of the 70-year period of desolation aligns with Jeremiah’s prophecy. It reflects the accuracy and fulfillment of prophetic timelines.
Encouragement for Believers: This verse demonstrates the reliability of God’s word and encourages believers to trust in the fulfillment of His promises.
5. Luke 2:36-37: Anna the Prophetess
“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Faithfulness and Devotion: Anna is described as very old and devoted to worship and prayer. Her age, though not explicitly stated as 70, reflects a life dedicated to God and a significant period of service.
Fulfillment of Promises: Anna’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises and the significance of long-term faithfulness.
6. Deuteronomy 34:7: The Age of Moses
“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Longevity and Strength: While Moses lived to be 120 years old, this verse indirectly relates to age 70 by contrasting his longevity with the average lifespan mentioned in Psalm 90:10. It highlights exceptional strength and vitality even in old age.
Completion of a Mission: Moses’ life and leadership, ending at 120, reflect a period of significant accomplishment and fulfillment of God’s mission.
7. 2 Chronicles 36:21: The Fulfillment of the Seventy Years
“The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Sabbath Rest: The land of Israel experienced a period of rest during the 70 years of exile. This fulfillment of prophecy underscores the connection between divine promises and historical events.
Divine Faithfulness: The verse reaffirms God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word and the importance of observing His commands.
8. Numbers 33:39: The Age of Aaron
“Aaron was a hundred and twenty-three years old when he died on Mount Hor.” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Comparison with Average Lifespan: Aaron’s age, though beyond 70, provides a comparative point to understand the significance of age 70 in the context of biblical longevity and leadership.
End of a Leadership Era: Aaron’s death marks the end of an era for the Israelites, highlighting the transition in leadership and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
9. 1 Chronicles 29:26-27: The Reign of David
“David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. He ruled over Israel forty years—seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king.” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Legacy and Leadership: Although David’s reign lasted 40 years, his long life and successful reign highlight the significance of age in terms of wisdom, experience, and fulfillment of God’s plans.
Symbolic of Fulfillment: David’s life and reign symbolize the completeness and fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
10. Ezekiel 1:1: The Age of Ezekiel
“In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.” (NIV)
Context and Interpretation:
Significance of Timing: Ezekiel’s prophetic visions begin at a significant age, marking the start of his prophetic ministry. Though not directly referencing age 70, this verse highlights the importance of age in the context of divine revelation and ministry.
Fulfillment of Prophetic Purpose: The timing of Ezekiel’s visions reflects the fulfillment of divine purpose and the significance of age in God’s plans.
Conclusion
The Bible’s references to age 70 offer rich insights into human life, divine promises, and the fulfillment of God’s plans. From the reflection on the human lifespan in Psalm 90:10 to the prophetic significance of 70 years in Jeremiah and Daniel, these verses provide a deeper understanding of how age and time intersect with divine purpose. By studying these scriptures, believers are encouraged to appreciate the significance of age, trust in God’s timing, and live with wisdom and faithfulness throughout their lives.