This may be obscure Bible trivia, but if you do the math it appears that Methuselah, the oldest man in the Bible, might have died in the Great Flood. If so, can we claim his was a life cut short?
The text gives his age at 969 years old upon his death. Which by any count is a good, long life. Some scholars believe he died right before the waters rose. One Jewish tradition teaches that Methuselah died seven days before the Flood. These days were given so the people could mourn his passing, reflect on his exemplary life, watch as animals thronged into the ark, realize that imminent catastrophe was upon them and and receive a final appeal for repentance.
But apparently no one repented, and furthermore we have no record of Methuselah living a life of faithfulness. On the contrary, we read that of all the people living at the time only Noah found favor in the eyes of God. While Methuselah’s father walked closely with the Lord, young people often reject the faith of their elders. Each of us faces God on our own terms.
Do I believe that Methuselah died in the flood? Sadly I do. The Scriptures tell us that wickedness spread throughout the earth and I think Methuselah got caught up in the culture. Happens all the time. Fortunately his grandson arrived to build a boat and batten down the hatches. I wonder if Methuselah sat and mocked as the ark took shape, or did he slowly come to realize his own need for repentance?
It’s ironic that the oldest man in the Bible did not die of old age. But the Lord follows strange patterns. Pay attention, and don’t be surprised if this reality proves true in your own life as well.
Genesis 5 & 6
Photo by Donald Teel
This is so interesting! In BSF decades ago we did a timeline and Methuselah outlived many children. Our instructor said his name means “When he dies, judgment comes”! If true, his long life shows God’s tremendous grace and goodness, regardless if Methuselah followed closely. But with a name like that…maybe
I had not heard that Methuselah’s name might mean “when he dies judgement comes.” But makes sense with the belief he died right before the flood. That’s an cool insight.