Numbers 8:25
And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more:
Original Language Analysis
וּמִבֶּן֙
And from the age
H1121
וּמִבֶּן֙
And from the age
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יָשׁ֖וּב
they shall cease
H7725
יָשׁ֖וּב
they shall cease
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מִצְּבָ֣א
waiting
H6635
מִצְּבָ֣א
waiting
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 9
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern societies often lacked provisions for elderly workers. Israel's structured retirement at 50 (extended from the earlier 45-year proposal in some traditions) demonstrated covenant care for servants of God, ensuring dignity and continued usefulness without physical exploitation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does mandatory retirement from heavy labor demonstrate God's compassion while still valuing ongoing contribution?
- What modern ministry practices might 'burn out' faithful servants by ignoring physical limitations?
- How can churches honor the wisdom of retired ministers while respecting their need for rest?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
From the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof—The retirement age (חֲמִשִּׁים שָׁנָה chamishim shanah) acknowledges physical demands of Levitical labor—dismantling, carrying, and reassembling the 13-ton tabernacle structure through wilderness terrain. The verb cease (יָשׁוּב yashuv, return/withdraw) is not dismissal but dignified transition from active to advisory roles.
Shall serve no more—The phrase (לֹא יַעֲבֹד עוֹד lo ya'avod od) specifically prohibits heavy labor, not all contribution (see verse 26). God's law honored elderly wisdom while protecting aging bodies, contrasting sharply with cultures that discarded unproductive individuals. The principle appears in Paul's instruction to honor widows and elders (1 Timothy 5:3-20).