Today I highlight a short couple of verses that actually point to retirement for the Levites. The Levites were set aside to serve God. I have oft overlooked this couple verses, but I suppose it makes sense with even our current cultural norms. There was an age of maturity which had to be reached before they started the work of the Lord and then an age of retirement at which they were to no longer do the work themselves.
I fully understand the minimum age to reach a certain preparation and maturity. I am less clear on why He sets the retirement age at 50. I do not know the expected life spans at that time or what would be the physical expectations for the men over 50 years old in that culture. However, clearly today there are many who can remain quite active well past 50 and have much to add. They were still able to help and guide or give advice to remain active in contributing. However they were not required to continue doing the harder work as they got older. This would certainly seem another example of how a gracious and compassionate Father cares for His people.
Retirement
23Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24“This is what applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall enter to perform service in the work of the tent of meeting. 25“But at the age of fifty years they shall retire from service in the work and not work any more. 26“They may, however, assist their brothers in the tent of meeting, to keep an obligation, but they themselves shall do no work. Thus you shall deal with the Levites concerning their obligations.”
Let us remember that our Lord, though He is the Creator of all, is very aware of our limitations and is compassionate towards us. He truly is a loving Father. Let us praise His holy name and give Him thanks!
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