BEYOND METHUSELAH—WHO IS OLD?
consults the“elders” upon ascending the throne but does not follow their advice(1 Kings 12:6-8; 2 Chron. 10:6-8). We find a class of individuals who assist Moses in the process of governing Israel in the desert. Moses appoints them on the advice of his father-in-law and, later, at God ’s command, so that he would be relieved of some tasks. The people direct their requests to the advisors first and only later to Moses . We hear little of this group subsequently, and they are not designated as“elders”(Exod. 18:19ff). Actually, a similar group, designated as z’kenim, accompany Moses when he makes his initial presentation to the Israelites in Egypt (Exod. 4:29; 12:21), but then they are no longer mentioned.
The“elders,” as advisors, have no clearly defined role, and their role undoubtedly changes under various rulers. Sometimes the men probably fill honorific positions, and at other times they may share the royal power.
We do not know whether this designation represents a class, an age group, or both. Are they individuals with considerable political experience and so“elder” indicates maturity? or are they senior officials? Only occasionally is the specific age of an“elder” cited, as with Barzillai, whom we mentioned above and who was 80, but that tells us almost nothing.
SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR THE AGED?
When we think of traditional Judaism and the older generation we think of respect and honor. What is the basis of this? Is it correct? The long period stretching from Abraham to Ezra, well over a thousand years, should, of course, be subdivided, but it is impossible to do so with the knowledge we possess. If we general
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