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The phrase "three scores and ten" is a traditional way of expressing the number seventy, with "score" being an old term for twenty. This expression is most famously found in the Bible, specifically inPsalm 90:10, which reads in the Berean Standard Bible : "The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away."

Biblical Context

Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses and is a prayer that reflects on the transient nature of human life in contrast to the eternal nature of God. The psalm is a meditation on the brevity of life and the wisdom that comes from recognizing our mortality. The mention of "three scores and ten" serves as a poetic way to describe the typical human lifespan, emphasizing the fleeting nature of earthly existence.

Theological Significance

In the biblical worldview, the lifespan of seventy years is seen as a general benchmark for human life. This does not imply a strict limit but rather serves as a symbolic representation of a full life. The passage underscores the importance of living wisely and in accordance with God's will, given the limited time humans have on earth. It also highlights the contrast between human frailty and God's eternal nature, encouraging believers to seek divine wisdom and purpose.

Cultural and Historical Insights

The use of "three scores and ten" reflects the ancient Hebrew understanding of time and life expectancy. In the context of the ancient Near East, reaching the age of seventy would have been considered a significant achievement, as life expectancy was generally lower than it is today. This expression has permeated Western culture, often being used in literature and speeches to denote the idea of a complete or full life.

Application in Christian Life

For Christians, the concept of "three scores and ten" serves as a reminder to live purposefully and to prioritize spiritual growth and service to God. It encourages believers to reflect on the brevity of life and to make the most of the time they have, aligning their lives with God's eternal purposes. The passage fromPsalm 90 is often read at funerals and memorial services, offering comfort and perspective on the temporal nature of life and the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Related Biblical Themes

·Mortality and Eternity: The theme of human mortality is prevalent throughout Scripture, with numerous passages reminding believers of the temporary nature of earthly life and the eternal nature of God (e.g.,James 4:14,Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).
·Wisdom and Understanding: The brevity of life calls for wisdom, as seen inPsalm 90:12 : "So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom."
·Hope in Eternal Life: While life on earth is limited, the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ offers hope and assurance to believers (John 3:16, 1John 5:11-13).

Conclusion

The phrase "three scores and ten" continues to resonate with believers as a poignant reminder of life's brevity and the call to live with purpose and wisdom. It serves as a timeless exhortation to focus on what truly matters in light of eternity.Revelation 20:5
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
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2 Peter 3:8
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
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Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
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2 Peter 3:10
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
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Three Names High on the Muster-Roll
... they ate nothing but pulse, "At the end often days their... "Here is the golden image;
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Money for Postage.
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I signed, and a few oldscores; but now I have aboutten pounds in the...

The Bishop of Durham's Tapestry
... the congregation in the evening thatscores were obliged... I will not destroy the city
forten's sake" [Gen... found a convenient place, covered onthree sides and...

1872-1874. Letter from Rev. AMW Christopher --Letter from Gulf of...
... Open doors inscores of towns around each of our... I came to the Home, now nearlythree
years ago... of George and Mary F"-, who met, afterten months' separation...

The Necessity of Increased Faith
... There arescores of false faiths; but there is only one... faith." So that faith is
one of God'sthree precious things... than she was of an army often thousand men...

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... elders, bishops, priests, and teachers, byscores, into all... Moines Rapids, about
two hundred andten miles (by... above New Orleans, and aboutthree hundred miles...

Under Ban of the Ritual
... a single armlet, and a collar, consisting often golden rings... Thus, he had passed
three years that chafed him because... by yokes of oxen, oftener byscores of men...

The Hymns of Isaac Watts
... enlarged in a second edition in 1709; and thatten years later... The almightyThree,
the eternal One;... and worms' does Watts disturb us, but byscores andscores...

The Problem of Foreign Missions
... come up in one year, or inten years, or... and isolation from external influences during
three thousand years... of the changed standpoint from whichscores of our...

The Scriptures
... Manyscores of examples might be quoted.... the whole of the New Testament, and all
thethree instances are... diadems' of the dragon (Rev.12:3), theten diadems' of...

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