Topical Bible: 969

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Introduction:
The number 969 holds significance in the Bible primarily due to its association with Methuselah, the longest-lived human figure recorded in the Scriptures. This entry explores the biblical context and significance of the number 969, particularly in relation to Methuselah's life and its implications within the genealogical records of Genesis.

Methuselah:
Methuselah is a prominent figure in the genealogical accounts of the Book of Genesis. He is noted for his extraordinary lifespan, living for 969 years, which is the longest of any human mentioned in the Bible. Methuselah is a descendant of Adam through the line of Seth and is the son of Enoch, who "walked with God" and was taken by God without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24).

Biblical Reference:
The primary biblical reference to Methuselah's age is found in Genesis 5:27: "So Methuselah lived a total of 969 years, and then he died" . This verse is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage from Adam to Noah, highlighting the longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs.

Genealogical Context:
Methuselah's lifespan is significant within the genealogical framework of Genesis 5, which serves to connect the creation narrative with the account of Noah and the Flood. Methuselah is the grandfather of Noah, and his death is traditionally understood to have occurred in the same year as the Flood, although the Bible does not explicitly state this. The long lifespans recorded in Genesis 5, including Methuselah's, have been the subject of much theological and scholarly discussion, often interpreted as symbolic of the antediluvian world's unique conditions.

Symbolic Interpretations:
Methuselah's age has been interpreted symbolically by some scholars and theologians. The number 969, as the highest age recorded in the Bible, is sometimes seen as representing the fullness of life or the completeness of a generational cycle. Methuselah's long life, ending just before the Flood, is often viewed as a testament to God's patience and the impending judgment upon a corrupt world.

Cultural and Historical Impact:
Methuselah's age has permeated cultural references and expressions, often used metaphorically to describe extreme longevity. The phrase "old as Methuselah" is commonly used to denote someone or something that is very old. Methuselah's life and age have also been subjects of interest in various religious, literary, and artistic works throughout history.

Conclusion:
The number 969, through its association with Methuselah, holds a unique place in biblical history and tradition. Methuselah's remarkable lifespan serves as a focal point in the genealogical narrative of Genesis, bridging the time from Adam to the era of Noah and the Flood. His life and age continue to inspire reflection on themes of longevity, divine patience, and the transition from the antediluvian world to the post-Flood era.

Concordance

969 (1 Occurrence)

Genesis 5:27
All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died.
(See NIV)

Thesaurus

969 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 969 (1 Occurrence). Genesis 5:27 All the days of Methuselah
were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died. (See NIV). ...
/num/969.htm - 6k

1000 (7 Occurrences)

/num/1000.htm - 8k

962 (1 Occurrence)

/num/962.htm - 6k

Methuselah (7 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:37). Methuselah is said to have lived 969 years; he is therefore the
oldest of the patriarchs and the oldest man. It is doubtful ...
/m/methuselah.htm - 9k

Antediluvians
... of the genealogical tables in Genesis 5 the lives of the antediluvians were prolonged
to an extreme old age, Methuselah attaining that of 969 years. ...
/a/antediluvians.htm - 11k

Egypt (596 Occurrences)
... The great period of medieval Egypt was under the guidance of the Mesopotamian
civilization, 800-969 AD The Tunisian dominion of the Fatimites, 969-1171, was ...
/e/egypt.htm - 101k