Old testament Priests

50 according to Num 8:23-

 

That being the case, why was Zacharias still performing his "priestly service" at an advanced age? Luke 1:5-9.

 

And that age was what 'exactly'?

Advanced in age does not mean beyond 50 since a priest could only continue in his priestly duties till age 50 and after that he could assist but not continue in his previous services/work. Advance here only means that he was not young nor middle aged but more toward (advance) or in the late ages of included 40 and 50. Additionally such an age is considered typically out of child bearing age as well and thus for one to become pregant at such an age was considered a miracle of God, especially in light of certain bodily changes during these ages.

The fact that scripture states this:

Shows he was still with in the age requirement given by God for priestly service.

 

:laugh: Your right, correct away! :type:

 

I believe the 50 year age limit was only for Levite priests. Zacharias was of the priestly line of Aaron.

 

Actaully Amy it was his 'wife' who was of Aaron's line not himself. The duty of the altar of incence was preformed by priesthood and thus it identifies him with the general levitical priesthood but places his children (due to his wife) in the line for High Priest

Another interesting historical point is that the residing high priest during that time period was politcally appointed by Rome to that position and not according Jewish law. Thus John the Baptist would have been (as far as this biblical record) would have been the rightful High Priest when he came of age and only if there were not any other male children from the daughters of Aaron.

 

He was but God established the line Aaron and his children to have certain and specific duties within and even above the general priesthood and thus others of their lineeage (Levites) were allowed to help and contribute in accordance with those other duties needful to the up keekp, cleaning, and attendance of the tabernacle/temple.

So yes, all priests were in fact Levites

 

You know, 50 is the new 80...or the other way around...80 is the old 50...yeah that works...

Average life expectancy in the Roman Empire was 30 years old for men and 34 years old for women during this time. In Jesus' time it was about the same granted the Jewish people were known for living into their 40s because of the strict dietary laws and practices.

To be 50 and still serving in the Temple was like being 80 and still pastoring and preaching every Sunday. Not saying it can't be done, but man, it takes a very intentional person.

I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to have a life expectancy that is 40 to 50 years younger than it currently is in te US. That's just crazy to think about.

 

Thanks Allan. I was wrong. Boy that was hard to say. :laugh::laugh:

JK, I get a lot of stuff wrong and I know it.

 

Well you made me look at it triple time, so it's not like it was an easy catch

And if it wasn't for 'us' being wrong, we would not appreciate knowing the truth when we finally get it :laugh:

So far I'm up to 4

 

drfuss: Number 35 - 24 Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments: 25 And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil. 26 But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; 27 And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood: 28 Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession."

The above certainly implies that the high priest was high priest until his death; not only until the age of 50. I believe the high priest requirements were different from the others.

 

Agreed since the High Priest was a catagory all unto itself and thus seperated/distinct from the other regulations set forth for the levite priesthood.