In Genesis 6 God says his spirit will not contend with man for more than 120 years. Why then did Noah live to be 950, Sarah 127, Abraham 175? -- Vicki D. (Charlotte)
As many commentators have noticed, 120 years seems to be the amount of time remaining between God's lament and the coming of the flood. You will recall that Noah had a good century in which to construct the ark. Moreover, there are many individuals, as you notice, who live well past the age of 120. That is why I don't take the 120 years as an age limit.
True, many also read the 120 years as a limit to human longevity, as I once did the first time I read Genesis. But the other view--time left on the clock before the Deluge--has fewer difficulties. It is to be preferred.
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