Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Metushelach (Methuselah) live for 969 years?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, people in the early generations before the Flood lived exceptionally long lives because the world was still in a pristine state, closer to the original creation. The Sages explain that this longevity was a divine kindness to allow more time for repentance before the Flood.
Q: What is the significance of Metushelach's lifespan in the Torah?
A: Metushelach's lifespan of 969 years is the longest recorded in the Torah. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) notes that his death was a sign that the Flood would come soon, as he died either just before or during the Flood. This teaches about divine patience, as Hashem gave humanity time to repent during Metushelach's long life.
Q: How could people live so long in biblical times?
A: Traditional Jewish sources like Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:47) explain that before the Flood, the natural order of the world was different, with stronger life forces and purer air. After the Flood, human lifespans gradually decreased, as described in the Torah (Genesis 11). This change reflects different divine plans for humanity in different eras.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Metushelach's long life?
A: The Midrash teaches that Metushelach's long life demonstrates Hashem's patience and desire for people to repent. Despite the wickedness of that generation, Hashem waited until after Metushelach's death to bring the Flood. This teaches us about divine mercy and the importance of using our time wisely for spiritual growth.
Q: Why does the Torah list the ages of these early generations?
A: Rashi explains that listing the ages and genealogies in Genesis 5 shows the precise chronology from Creation to the Flood. This establishes the Torah's historical accuracy and demonstrates how Hashem patiently waited for repentance before bringing judgment. The Sages also find deeper meanings in the numerical values of these lifespans.
The Longevity of Metushelach
The verse states that Metushelach (Methuselah) lived for 969 years, making him the longest-lived individual recorded in the Torah. This extraordinary lifespan is interpreted in several ways by traditional Jewish commentators:
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 5:27) notes that Metushelach's lifespan was precisely measured to end in the year of the Flood. According to Rashi, this was a divine act of mercy—Had Metushelach died earlier, the Flood would have commenced immediately. His extended life granted humanity additional time to repent.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 26:1) elaborates that Metushelach was a righteous man, and his longevity was a reward for his piety. However, the Midrash also questions why he did not merit to be saved from the Flood, suggesting that while he was personally righteous, he did not influence his generation to repent.
Numerological Significance
The number 969 is analyzed in Kabbalistic sources (e.g., Sefer HaTemunah) as representing a complete cycle of divine judgment and mercy. The repetition of the number 9 (in 900, 60, and 9) symbolizes the extension of divine patience before the Flood.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:47) addresses the seemingly implausible lifespans of the early generations. He suggests that these ages may reflect a different reckoning of time or that the natural order in the pre-Flood world was fundamentally distinct from our current reality.
Lessons from Metushelach's Life