Today, we're looking at a brief but thought-provoking passage from the Book of Jubilees, specifically chapter 23. It's a short reflection on aging and righteousness.

"And he lived three jubilees and four weeks of years, one hundred and seventy-five years, and completed the days of his life, being old and full of days."

Okay, first things first: what’s a jubilee? In the Book of Jubilees, a jubilee is a period of 49 years (seven cycles of seven years, or Shmita). So, "three jubilees and four weeks of years" translates to (3 x 49) + (4 x 7) = 147 + 28 = 175 years. Not quite Methuselah's 969, but still a good run!

The passage goes on to say, "For the days of the forefathers, of their life, were nineteen jubilees; and after the Flood they began to grow less than nineteen jubilees."

Nineteen jubilees! That's 19 x 49 = 931 years! Talk about longevity! The text suggests a decline in lifespan after the Flood. Why?

"…and to decrease in jubilees, and to grow old quickly, and to be full of their days by reason of manifold tribulation and the wickedness of their ways."

According to Jubilees, our lifespans shrunk because of… well, because we weren't so good. Because of “manifold tribulation and the wickedness of their ways.” In other words, sin and suffering took their toll. It's a pretty straightforward cause-and-effect: bad behavior, shorter life. It's a concept we see echoed in other ancient literature, too.

But then comes a glimmer of hope, a single exception:

"with the exception of Abraham. For Abraham was perfect in all his deeds with the Lord, and well-pleasing in righteousness all the days of his life."

Abraham, the patriarch, the father of the Jewish people. He stands apart. The text paints Abraham as a shining example of righteousness. Because he was "perfect in all his deeds with the Lord," he somehow transcended the general decline. He was "well-pleasing in righteousness all the days of his life."

Now, "perfect" is a loaded word. Was Abraham truly without fault? Perhaps the text means he was striving for perfection, that his heart was always directed toward God. Maybe it's less about flawless execution and more about unwavering intention.

What does this passage from Jubilees tell us about how ancient people viewed the relationship between morality and mortality? It suggests a deep connection. That living a righteous life, a life aligned with God's will, could somehow extend your days.

It also raises questions. Is longevity a reward for good behavior? Or is it simply a coincidence? Does living a moral life guarantee a long life? We all know good people who die young and… well, you know the opposite.

Maybe the takeaway isn't about literal years, but about living a full life, a life of meaning and purpose. Like Abraham, perhaps striving for righteousness, for being "well-pleasing" in God's eyes, is the key to a life that feels long, regardless of the number of years we're given.