Liberating Planet Earth

Th Liberation of the Fami~ 75
born when Isaac was 60 years old (Genesis 25:26). Joseph was
alive at this time, Wd the Bible speaks of Joseph as the son of
Jacob’s old age (Genesis 37:3). In the case of Esau, a dishonoring
child lived into old age. Abel, who honored God, and who presumably
honored his parents as God’s representatives, was slain
by his violent brother, who in turn survived to establish a pagan
civilization (Genesis 4).
What God does promise is that a socie~ in which the majori~ of
men do honor their parents will be marked by the long life expectancy
of its members. This longer lifespan will be statisticzdly significant.
The society will enjoy, for example, lower life insurance
premiums in every age bracket compared with the premiums in
cultures that are marked by rebellion against parents. In other
words, the risk of death in any given year will be lower, statistically,
for the average member of that age bracket. Some will die,
of course, but not as many as those who die at the same age in a
parent-dishonoring culture.
Long Lfe and Dominion
The promise is significant. It offers long life. The very first
promise that is connected to a commandment is long life. This indicates
men’s desire to survive into old age. Men want to live. It is a
universal desire, though it is marred or distorted by the effects of
sin. All those who hate God love death (Proverbs 8:36). Nevertheless,
a standard expression of honor in the ancient Near East,
especially in pagan civilizations, was reserved for the king: “O
king, live forever” (Daniel 2:4; 5:10; 6:21). When God attached
this particular blessing to this commandment, He could be
assured of its initial attractiveness in the eyes of men. Life is a
blessing for the faithful, and it is desired even by the unfaithful.. It
is not a burden to be borne patiently by steadfast “pilgrims” who
are stoically “passing through life.” Life is not just something to
pass the time away. It is a positim blessing.
We know that the promise to Abraham was that he would
have many children, meaning heirs throughout time (Genesis
17:4-6). We know that a large family is a blessing (Psalm 127:3-5).