Genesis 5:25 - Longevity before the Flood?

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Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי מְתוּשֶׁלַח שֶׁבַע וּשְׁמֹנִים שָׁנָה וּמְאַת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד אֶת־לָמֶךְ׃

English Translation

And Metushelaĥ lived a hundred and eighty seven years, and begot Lemekh:

Transliteration

Vayechi Metushelach sheva ushmoneem shana ume'at shana vayoled et-Lamech.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְחִ֣י מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח שֶׁ֧בַע וּשְׁמֹנִ֛ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־לָֽמֶךְ׃

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse from Bereishit (Genesis) 5:25 states: "And Metushelaḥ lived a hundred and eighty-seven years, and begot Lemekh." This verse is part of the genealogy from Adam to Noaḥ, detailing the lifespans and descendants of the early generations.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzḥaki) notes that the name "Metushelaḥ" (מתושלח) is derived from the root "מת" (death) and "שלח" (send), suggesting a connection to the concept of death being sent forth. Rashi explains that this name alludes to the Flood (Mabul), as the decree of the Flood was delayed until after Metushelaḥ's death. According to Rashi, this demonstrates Hashem's mercy, as He granted the world additional time to repent before bringing the Flood.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 26:3) elaborates on Metushelaḥ's righteousness, stating that he was one of the few righteous individuals of his generation. The Midrash also connects his lifespan to the timing of the Flood, emphasizing that his death marked the beginning of the seven-day mourning period before the Flood commenced (Sanhedrin 108b).

Longevity: Metushelaḥ lived 969 years, the longest lifespan recorded in the Torah. The Midrash suggests his long life was a reward for his righteousness.
Timing of the Flood: The Flood began only after his death, as Hashem waited out of respect for his merit.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:47) discusses the extended lifespans of the early generations. He suggests that these long lives were either literal or symbolic, representing the spiritual and intellectual achievements of these individuals rather than mere chronological years.

Significance of Lemekh

Metushelaḥ's son, Lemekh, is notable as the father of Noaḥ, the righteous survivor of the Flood. The Sages (Talmud, Sanhedrin 69b) discuss the lineage and the transition from Metushelaḥ to Noaḥ, highlighting the continuity of righteousness in a corrupt generation.

Conclusion

This verse underscores themes of divine mercy, righteousness, and the importance of repentance. Metushelaḥ's life and death serve as a pivotal moment in the narrative leading to the Flood, illustrating Hashem's patience and the consequences of human actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the ages of people like Metushelach (Methuselah)?
A: The Torah lists the ages of the early generations to show the gradual decrease in human lifespan before the Flood. Rashi explains that this teaches us about the consequences of sin and the importance of righteousness. The long lifespans also allowed for the transmission of tradition from Adam to Noach.

Q: How old was Metushelach when he had Lemech?
A: According to Genesis 5:25, Metushelach was 187 years old when he fathered Lemech. This is part of the Torah's detailed genealogy showing the lineage from Adam to Noach.

Q: What is significant about Metushelach's lifespan?
A: Metushelach lived 969 years (Genesis 5:27), making him the longest-lived person in the Torah. The Midrash notes that his name may hint at his longevity - 'Metushelach' can be read as 'when he dies, it shall be sent,' referring to the Flood that came the year he died (Sanhedrin 108b).

Q: Why does the Torah mention when people had children?
A: The Torah carefully documents when each generation had children to maintain the accurate historical chain from Adam through Noach to Avraham. Rambam emphasizes that this unbroken tradition is crucial for verifying the authenticity of Torah transmission (Introduction to Mishneh Torah).

Q: What can we learn from Metushelach having children at 187?
A: The fact that Metushelach had children relatively 'late' (compared to others in his generation who had children younger) teaches that each person has their own appropriate time for milestones in life. The Talmud (Eruvin 18b) discusses how early generations matured differently than we do today.