Methuselah and the Mercy of God

Methuselah is one of the most well known people of the Bible.  He is famous for being the longest living man recorded.  He lived a staggering nine hundred sixty-nine years.  What most fail to consider is why did God allow him such a long life?  His name first appears in Genesis 5.  He is the son of Enoch, and he is the grandfather to Noah.  

Most scholars refer to the time period between Genesis 1 to Genesis 11 as a prehistoric time.  There are a number of reasons why men lived hundreds of years prior to the flood.  One possible reason is that their DNA was so close to Adam and Eve and the state of perfection in the Garden.  Another possible explanation is that the oxygen level of the earth was different.  Even today, scientists are experimenting with high altitudes and their effect on diseases.

However, more than a physical explanation, there is a biblical reason why Methuselah lived so long.  Prior to Noah and the flood, God had already declared judgement through Enoch, Methuselah’s father, Noah’s great-grandfather.  The name Methuselah comes from two roots: muth, a root that means “death”; and from shalach, which means “to bring,” or “to send forth.” Thus, the name Methuselah signifies, “his death shall bring.”  In other words, Methuselah’s life was a prophecy from the Lord.  Can you now see why the flood of Genesis 6 occurred after Methuselah’s death?

So here is the point, Methuselah’s long life is directly tied to the mercy of God.  He is not the longest living man for Bible stats;  he is the longest living man because God is patient and merciful.  So the next time you hear someone say “as old as Methuselah,” smile and think to yourself the mercy of God.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance”
(2 Peter 3:9).

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