There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
A difficult but important promise: "There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed." This verse has generated interpretive debate. The most likely meaning within its context: in the renewed earth, lifespans will extend dramatically (like pre-flood patriarchs), with someone dying at 100 considered premature ("a child"). Yet death still exists for the "sinner"—suggesting a millennial or transitional period before the final eternal state where death is completely abolished (Revelation 21:4). From a Reformed perspective, this may describe conditions during Christ's millennial reign (Revelation 20:1-6) before the final judgment and new creation. Alternatively, it may be symbolic language describing the dramatic improvements in the restored order without being strictly literal. The key point: God's restoration dramatically reverses the curse, extending life and health, though complete perfection awaits the final state.
Historical Context
Post-exilic life expectancy was far shorter than patriarchal ages (Genesis 5). The prophecy promised dramatic improvement—lifespans extending to hundreds of years, suggesting a restoration toward pre-fall conditions. This looked beyond immediate historical fulfillment to the Messianic age and ultimately the consummated kingdom. The New Testament describes believers already experiencing eternal life (John 3:36, 5:24) while still subject to physical death, with complete resurrection and glorification awaiting Christ's return (1 Corinthians 15:51-57, Philippians 3:20-21).
Questions for Reflection
How does this verse relate to other promises about death being abolished (Revelation 21:4)?
What does dramatically extended lifespan symbolize about God's restoration of creation?
How should we understand progressive fulfillment—the 'already' and 'not yet' of kingdom promises?
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Analysis & Commentary
A difficult but important promise: "There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed." This verse has generated interpretive debate. The most likely meaning within its context: in the renewed earth, lifespans will extend dramatically (like pre-flood patriarchs), with someone dying at 100 considered premature ("a child"). Yet death still exists for the "sinner"—suggesting a millennial or transitional period before the final eternal state where death is completely abolished (Revelation 21:4). From a Reformed perspective, this may describe conditions during Christ's millennial reign (Revelation 20:1-6) before the final judgment and new creation. Alternatively, it may be symbolic language describing the dramatic improvements in the restored order without being strictly literal. The key point: God's restoration dramatically reverses the curse, extending life and health, though complete perfection awaits the final state.