Withdrawal of the Spirit and reduction of life span: a reflection on Genesis 6:3

« And the LORD said: 'My Spirit shall not abide in man for ever, for that he also is flesh; therefore shall his days be a hundred and twenty years. » Genesis 6:3

The Book of Genesis (Sefer Bereshit) in the Bible teaches us a lot about men's behavior in very Ancient times. Since corruption entered men's heart because of disobedience to Hashem, it seems that human beings had an inclination for evil. The first consequence of Adam and Eve's sin was a separation from Hashem, which implied a lot of suffering. However the Spirit (Ruakh) of Hashem was still dwelling in Adam's descendants.

Genesis 5 : genealogy of Adam's descendants

I once surprised a whole class by telling them that some people in the Bible had lived several centuries. My mention of Metuselah's 969 years truly impressed them.

One of Hashem's blessings for righteous men is a long life (depending on their mission, of course, there are also righteous persons with short life spans).

We might ask : what actually happened for Hashem to take such drastic measures ? After all, the Maker of Heaven and earth had reduced men's life from 9 centuries to 120 years !

Genesis 6 teaches us that this is demonic work of fallen angels.

When I opened my Tanakh yesterday I eventually realized that the word nephilim (נְּפִלִים ) contained the root of the verb « to fall », nafal (נָפַל ).

Genesis 6:4 instructs us about the Nephilim's lustful ways that gave birth to a hybrid race of giants : « The Nephilim were on earth both in those days and afterwards when the sons of Elohim came to the daughters of mankind, who bore children to them. They were the powerful men of old, the famous men. »

The Book of Enoch offers the curious reader plentiful details about the Nephilim's lustful ways that left mankind into malfeasance (it included much sorcery as well).

No matter if you consider the apocrypha as a reliable document or not, it will help you understand why Hashem's Spirit could not continue to dwell into man.

The Holy Spirit is the bearer of life. A withdrawal of the Spirit would automatically reduce individuals life span.

Why 120 years ? The number 120 in Jewish tradition

Jewish people are used to wishing friends and family members « ad mea veesrim shana » ( « to hundred twenty years », may you live 120 years.

This birthday wish is deeply, biblically rooted in Genesis 6 and is meant to be a blessing.

Moses is reported to have lived 120 years.

« And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died : his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated. » Deuteronomy 34-7

Interestingly, the Torah teaches us that Moses did not lose his vigor at the time of his death ; which can be explained by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

« He satisfies your body with precious things ; your youth is renewed like the eagle » Psalm 103:5 (Aramaic Bible plain English version)

While the length of our days depends on our Lord, dwelling in His Spirit, having a real friendship with Him, obeying His command will renew our strength constantly.

The text of Genesis 6:3 is a reminder of the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. Do not neglect it ; have a fruitful life that glorifies Hashem in all aspects of your life. May Yeshua assist you. Amen.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling